Excessive amounts of carcinogenic compounds were discovered in household brands of cooking oil and processed foods containing meat and nuts, said food safety authorities during a recent spot check.

According to the official website of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) on January 1, samples of northeastern Chinese soybean oil brands "Dong Bei Chun" and "Ba Qi" soybean oils, along with Hangzhou-produced "Hong Ying"roasted peanuts, were discovered to contain high levels of Benzo(a)pyrene and Aflatoxin B1.

Benzo(a)pyrene is found in coal tar and the smoke from combustible organic material. Aflatoxin B1 develops in decaying vegetation, grain and animal feed, and is often found in cooking oils made with contaminated materials.

Both are known to irritate eyes, skin and liver, are linked with many types of cancer and even death.

@貌似过于理智： Benzo(a)pyrene may also exist in oil produced by traditional methods of oil extracting. Maybe we didn't find it because we weren't checking for safety before. Not all toxic substances are brought about by modern processing.

@linda的天空： The key problem is there are too many departments that have authority to regulate and supervise food safety, which makes it easier for them to pass the buck. I suggest the government set up only one department responsible for regulating food safety.

@老徐时评: Food security is of vital importance to a nation's existence and development. Government has to severely punish the businessmen and officials who break the law, and restore order of food market in order to regain trust of people.

@闻风乐道：The main reason why food security issues erupt one after another is because punishment for food safety crimes is too low.

@耕园耕心：Food safety issues won't be easy to fix as long as old policies still exist. The only way to change the current situation is pay more attention to the agriculture industry and improve farmers' incomes and welfare.