Consumer agency finds high sulfur dioxide content in imported mushrooms

SEOUL, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- Excessive levels of sulfur dioxide have been found in
a number of imported mushroom products, South Korea's consumer watchdog agency
said Thursday.
An examination commissioned by the Korea Consumer Agency found undue levels of
sulfur dioxide in 57 types of imported mushroom products currently sold in
traditional outdoor markets in major cities and on-line grocery vendors
throughout the country, the agency said.
Thirty-five percent of the products, or 21 different types of mushroom, were
found to contain levels of sulfur dioxide that exceed the 30 ppm limit set by the
food authorities, it said.
Sulfur dioxide is a food additive that is commonly used as a food bleaching
agent, an antioxidant or a food preservative.
Excessive intake can often cause headache, stomachache, circulatory disorder, or
bronchial complications. Intake of even a small amount can be fatal for
asthmatics or those sensitive to the substance.
The consumer group plans to urge the Korea Food and Drug Administration to
strengthen safety checks of imported food products.
mypyco@yna.co.kr
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