Associate Professor Doctor Nguyen Duy Thinh, from the Institute of Biotechnology and Food at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, stated that borax is not permitted for use in food due to potential health risks. Nevertheless, it is still misused in food products to create a crispy, chewy, and elastic texture, and to extend shelf life. Foods often adulterated with borax include Vietnamese sausage, fermented pork rolls, vermicelli, pho noodles, steamed rice rolls, fresh noodles, and snacks.

Borax is a harmful chemical that cannot be digested. This substance infiltrates nerve cells, causing intellectual development issues, cognitive decline, and dullness, particularly in children. Borax can also lead to prolonged digestive disorders, poisoning, diarrhea, nausea, and convulsions. Children may experience slow weight gain and poor nutrient absorption.

"Borax acts as a chronic poison, accumulating toxins over time and silently damaging the liver, kidneys, and brain without causing immediate poisoning", said Associate Professor Thinh. However, detecting borax in food is difficult when used in small quantities. This is why many establishments use borax to make food chewy, crispy, and preserve it longer without detection.

Many places add preservatives and chemicals to produce vermicelli. Illustration: Thuy Quynh

He offered some tips to identify borax. For example, pure Vietnamese sausage tastes sweet and fragrant, with a soft, not dry, texture. If a bite feels unusually dry, tough, or unnaturally smooth, it might contain borax. Vermicelli without borax has slightly fragile strands that break easily and feel a bit sticky or mushy to the touch; it also tends to sour and spoil quickly if left for a while or overnight. Conversely, vermicelli containing borax is typically shiny, smooth, and chewy. Steamed rice rolls and rice cakes with borax appear glossy and more visually appealing.

However, Mr. Thinh noted that these identification methods are merely sensory. The safest approach is to choose foods with clear origins, reputable brands, and complete labeling. Limit the purchase of pre-processed foods. Families should prepare meals from fresh ingredients to ensure health.

Thuy An