Chinese TV host tells public to avoid thick yogurt
Staff Reporter
2012-04-10
15:16 (GMT+8)
A TV host has warned that industrial gelatin used in many snacks is made from leather. (File photo/Xinhua)
A popular Chinese TV host recently posted a message on his microblog warning people not to eat thick yogurt, much-hyped in China, because the production process would terrify the consumer.
Zhao Pu, a host for state-run broadcaster CCTV, didn't reveal details on any brands of thick yogurt, but called on the public not to purchase or eat it.
His warning extended especially to children, saying it could cause health problems. Zhao's main concern is the industrial gelatin added to thick yogurt, as opposed to the runny variety more common in China.
Another media veteran said on his microblog that when he asked Zhao for further information, the TV host replied, "It is like one day you throw away your leather shoes and then they are in your stomach."
Though Zhao and the media veteran quickly removed their messages, the public has already begun to panic.
Similar controversies have been seen before in China. An article written in 2004 described how journalists witnessed the "magical" process of junk leather goods being turned into gelatin.
Experts have suggested that industrial gelatin is made from recycled leather products, such as shoes and belts.
Some large firms in the industry have stood out to assure the quality of their products. An engineer from Qinqin, a snack maker in Fujian province, said that none of the company's products use gelatin.
Another yogurt producer also said that while small companies may use industrial gelatin, there is no point for larger ones to do so. The second company said it hopes the government can do something to clean up the market.
Experts say as long as natural gelatin is used, rather than the industrial kind, there is no need to worry about health or safety.
References:
Zhao Pu 趙普
Qinqin 親親
