Epidemiology of Formalin Contamination in Fresh Food in Some Selected Provinces in Northeastern Part of Thailand

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence and distribution of formalin contamination in fresh food within Udonthani, Sakonnakon, Nakonrasima and Srisaket. Method: The research was a descriptive epidemiological study with a retrospective data collection from the surveillance result on formalin contamination in fresh food tested by the mobile units for food safety during October 2013 to June 2014. The prevalence of contamination was analyzed by types of food, selling places, suppliers, provinces and types of business establishments. The relevant officers in all provincial public health offices in the Northeast were interviewed to collect the lesson they learned during their practice on the issue. Results: Of all 1,436 inspected fresh food samples, formalin was detected in 6.1% of the sample with the highest prevalence found in Sabai-nang (24.2%) followed by alkali processed squid (22.7%), fresh squid (4.4%), straw mushroom (3.0%) and chicken feet (2.7%) . The province with highest rate of contamination was Udonthani (8.5%). Formalin contamination was found in food collected from fresh market and food stall with cold storage establishment as supplier (13.8%). The province of origin with highest prevalence of contamination was Rayong (22.2%). Selling places with no formalin contamination was department stores, restaurants, agricultural market, farm and slaughterhouse. The interview with the authorities found that formalin contaminated Sabai-nang was produced from frozen dried product, stored and sold in the undisclosed places. Contaminated alkali processed squid was produced from dried squid and was normally sold in the markets. Conclusions: Fresh food with highest prevalence of formalin contamination was Sabi-nang. Highest prevalence of formalin contamination was found in food collected from fresh markets and food stall having cold storage establishment as suppliers, and having the majority of suppliers located out of the province. Hence, the handling of the problem needs an integration of efforts among relevant parties including national and local government organizations, private sector, and consumers, covering all levels of supply chains including the import, production, distribution, selling, and consumption and the measure for the control of formalin, the contaminating agent.