Porridge with preserved egg and tofu is a perfect match for breakfast! Worried about excessive exposure to heavy metal lead? Yan Zonghai teaches the secret of self-protection

Eating porridge for breakfast with a dish of delicious and refreshing preserved egg and tofu is the best for the stomach; however, there are many legends about the preserved egg, which has a special flavor and has been eaten since childhood, which makes people both look forward to it and fear it! In particular, there is a saying that heavy metals such as lead oxide and copper oxide are added during the production process of preserved eggs, which makes people worry whether eating too much will harm health? Let's hear what the toxicologist has to say.

Century egg and tofu are a perfect match! Nutritionist: High protein, low sugar, low fat

Why are century egg and tofu a perfect match? Director Tsai Xiu-wen of the Nantou Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare said that this combination is a perfect partner for high-protein, low-sugar, low-fat soft foods. Because it is a very refreshing side dish, it is suitable for the elderly as a side dish for nutritional supplements. Especially for the elderly with poor teeth, if they have poor appetite and no appetite, they can have a plate of preserved egg and tofu when eating porridge and side dishes, which is appetizing and nutritious.

To stabilize the quality of preserved eggs: adding metals such as lead oxide and copper oxide

The production method of preserved eggs has been improved, and now generally the eggs are soaked in sodium hydroxide to mature. Because the acid-base concentration and temperature will affect the production of preserved eggs, heavy metals such as lead oxide and copper oxide are added to stabilize the quality. One can't help but worry about whether one might accidentally ingest excessive amounts of lead or copper without realizing it.

Toxicologist: Lead residues in preserved eggs should not exceed 0.3ppm and copper residues should not exceed 5ppm

Yan Zonghai, director of the Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Clinical Toxicology Center, said that according to national health standards, the allowable amounts of lead and copper residues in preserved eggs are 0.3ppm and 5ppm, and the government also conducts regular sampling. Therefore, as long as the preserved eggs are qualified, the public does not need to worry too much because the competent authorities are in charge. The spots on the eggshell cannot be used to conclude that the preserved egg contains excessive amounts of toxic metals. In fact, the amount of lead in the preserved egg still needs to be known through instrument testing.

The production method of preserved eggs has been improved, and now generally the eggs are soaked in sodium hydroxide to mature. Because the acid-base concentration and temperature will affect the production of preserved eggs, heavy metals such as lead oxide and copper oxide are added to stabilize the quality.

As long as the residual amount of lead and copper contained in preserved eggs does not exceed the standard, it is safe to eat them. However, Dr. Yan Zonghai reminds that preserved eggs are pickled and processed foods and cannot replace fresh eggs in daily life.

As long as the residual amount of lead and copper contained in preserved eggs does not exceed the standard, it is safe to eat them. However, Dr. Yan Zonghai reminds that preserved eggs are pickled and processed foods and cannot replace fresh eggs in daily life. Nutritionist Cai Xiuwen also reminded that since century eggs are processed food with a high sodium content, excessive sodium intake may cause high blood pressure and may also increase the risk of subsequent stroke and heart disease. It is recommended that patients with three highs should not eat it every day to avoid causing physical burden.

【Key points to pay attention to when choosing preserved eggs】:

As for how to choose safe preserved eggs? The Taipei City Government Health Bureau reminds consumers to pay attention to the following points when purchasing preserved eggs:

1. The eggshell must be intact and without damage. The egg white should be a solidified translucent colloid with a smooth and shiny surface in brown or dark brown, and a flexible and elastic texture. The yolk should be smooth on the outside and dark green or green, with alternating layers of yellow-green or pink-green and dark green inwards. The center should be a paste or solid state in dark green or gray-green.

2. The egg white has a slightly alkaline taste, the egg yolk has a slight ammonia smell or mint aroma, there is no pungent odor, the alkalinity is moderate, and there is no spicy taste. The well-ripened and solidified preserved eggs are elastic, tender in the mouth, and not rough or hard.

3. Consumers are advised to purchase products with clear labeling, i.e. each retail box should have complete labeling such as product name, weight, manufacturer name, telephone number, address, expiration date, etc.

High-risk occupational groups should pay attention to lead exposure and how to protect themselves from lead poisoning

Dr. Yan Zonghai said that patients with severe lead poisoning may have neurological symptoms, including hand tremors, decreased concentration, and weakness in the hands and feet. In the early days, more than 90% of the lead in the country entered the body through breathing. The half-life of lead in the human blood is 30 days, and the half-life of lead in the bones is as long as 25 years. Therefore, some high-risk occupational workers, such as paint, dye, ceramics, welding, etc., should pay attention to whether they are exposed to excessive lead. According to the US CDC standards, children's blood lead concentration should be less than 5 ug/dL, and adults' blood lead concentration should be less than 10 ug/dL. Once exceeded, you should be careful about whether you are contaminated by lead in the environment.

In addition, in daily life, people should also be careful not to consume herbs of unknown origin and health foods with unknown ingredients, prevent children from putting brightly colored toys into their mouths, choose toys that have been certified by the competent authorities, and reduce the use of animal bones in cooking broth to avoid drinking lead dissolved in the bones. In addition, avoid buying brightly colored tableware. When choosing tableware, choose one with no color or pattern on the part that comes into contact with food. Also pay attention to colorful candy wrappers and the printed colors on the packaging of bamboo chopsticks. These are all good ways for people to protect themselves from lead pollution.