China: Snap beans banned from schools to curb food poisoning
Cases of food poisoning have reputedly occurred with regularity in schools due to snap beans not receiving sufficient cooking.
According to the Bureau of Health, the headmasters will be "the first persons responsible" for food safety issues. Students and their guardians will be invited to supervise and inspect the school cafeteria. Snack counters within schools will also come under food safety supervision.
Experts say snap beans contain erythrocyte condensation and saponins. These are poisonous chemicals and cannot be removed until the beans are heated above 100 degrees centigrade for more than 10 minutes. School cafeterias usually use large pots to cook food, which makes it difficult to heat the beans evenly.
Source: english.cri.cn
