July 22, 2013

European beef products imported and distributed in Zambia by meat company, Zambeef, have tested positive for aromatic aldehyde, a chemical which can cause cancer.

Zambeef has recalled all imported products from its retail outlets in June after concerns that they contained the chemical.

"I can confirm that the presence of formaldehydes has been confirmed in the samples that were taken to South Africa for further investigations," Health Minister Joseph Kasonde said.

He said the chemical was found in offals and hooves which Zambeef imports from Europe. It is prohibited for use as a food preservative in Zambia.

"Formaldehyde is in a group of aldehydes. It is a compound mainly used in embalming corpses for preservation," he said.

Robert Mtonga, a medical doctor, said prolonged exposure to the chemical could cause organ cancers. "Among the acute effects of formaldehyde exposure are irritations of the eyes, the nose, and the throat," he said.

"There is also some evidence that constant formaldehyde exposure increases the chances of developing certain forms of cancer," Mtonga said.

Incidences of lung and nose cancer appear to be "significantly" higher among people who are regularly exposed to the chemical, according to the doctor.

The health minister said cabinet will meet to decide on sanctions to be imposed on Zambeef.