List cites banned food additives-

SUBSTANCES commonly used as industrial dyes, insecticides and drain cleaners were included on a list of illegal food additives China released yesterday as part of a four-month-long crackdown aimed at improving the country's food safety record.

The list of 17 banned substances was released by a government committee tasked with weeding out the practice of augmenting food products with nonfood additives. Local authorities were also warned to watch out for another 10 food additives that are often used excessively.

The government previously banned some of the 17 substances as separate scandals rocked the country and raised concerns over products such as milk and eggs, but this was China's first compiled list of illegal additives.

Among the banned additives is boric acid, used as an insecticide, which is mixed with noodles and meatballs to increase elasticity.

Also forbidden is industrial formaldehyde and lye, used in making soap and drain cleaner and added to water used to soak some types of dried seafood to make the products appear fresher.

The list also includes various industrial dyes that are added to improve the appearance of food products, ranging from chili powder to tea to cooked meats.

The list even includes an addictive substance made from the poppy plant and related to opium, which can be used as a painkiller. It is often used in hot pot, a dish where meat, vegetables and tofu are cooked at the table.

Along with the banned additives, the government named 10 substances such as colorings, preservatives and artificial flavorings that should not be used excessively.

The list will help local inspectors target food products more likely to be problematic. The investigation will focus on goods made by small food factories, which are often poorly regulated.

Among China's 500,000 food processors, 70 percent have fewer than 10 employees.