Some scientific studies have shown that nitrite may naturally form in Blood Birds Nests due to fermentation under certain temperature and humidity. Some studies also suggested that high level of nitrite in Blood Birds Nest may due to environmental contamination e.g. from bird droppings which contain high level of nitrate. However, the exact mechanism for the presence of nitrite in Blood Birds Nest is not entirely clear at this stage.

Introduction

In 2011, surveillance conducted by Mainland authority and local studies found that nitrite was present in various Blood Birds Nests, in particular Blood Birds Nest, available at the market.
Nitrite occurs in the environment, in food and water, and is produced inside living organisms. It can be used as a food additive, mainly as a preservative and colour fixative in foods such as cheese and cheese products as well as cured and fermented meats.

Nitrite in Blood Birds Nest

Safety and Public Health Significance

The safety of nitrite in food has raised concern because of its possible implication for the adverse health effects such as methaemoglobinaemia and cancers.
In the body, nitrite can oxidise haemoglobin in blood and make it unable to carry oxygen to the body tissues. Having insufficient oxygen, the person may develop blue or purple colouration in the lip and skin and the condition is called methaemoglobinaemia. Population subgroups such as young infants and people with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency are more susceptible to the above condition. According to the Centre for Health Protection record, since 2003 there were two cases of nitrite related food poisoning and both were related to consumption of vegetables with high levels of nitrate in infants and young children.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization has evaluated the carcinogenicity of ingested nitrite and concluded that ingested nitrite under conditions that result in endogenous nitrosation (i.e. conversion into nitroso compounds such as nitrosamines) is probably carcinogenic to humans (i.e. Group 2A). However, JECFA * considered that there was no evidence for an association between nitrite exposure in humans and the risk of cancer.
JECFA has evaluated the safety of nitrite and allocated an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0-0.07 mg per kg body weight (bw), expressed as nitrite ion and the ADI does not apply to infants below the age of 3 months. According to the results from recent local studies, any adverse health effect due to the consumption of thoroughly washed, soaked and stewed Blood Birds Nest is not likely.

Regulatory Control

Like other countries, nitrites (potassium nitrite and sodium nitrite) are permitted preservatives in a number of food categories e.g. cured meats, fermented meats, cheeses and cheese products, but do not include Blood Birds Nests in Hong Kong . However, Section 3(10) of the Preservatives in Food Regulation stated that it does not apply to an article of food containing any food additive that is naturally present in that food.
For Blood Birds Nests containing naturally formed nitrite, there is no international consensus on their reference and regulatory levels.

Recommended Preparation Method for Blood Birds Nest

In practice, dried Blood Birds Nest should be thoroughly washed and soaked before stewing. Both local and Mainland studies have showed that thoroughly washing and soaking for a few hours can in general remove substantial quantity (up to more than 90%) of nitrite in Blood Birds Nest. However, since nitrites are dissolved into the soaking water, they should be discarded after soaking. Water used for soaking Blood Birds Nests should also be replaced once or twice during the soaking process. The public can also refer to the suppliers' recommendation when preparing Blood Birds Nest.

Advice to the Public

Buy Blood Birds Nests from reliable premises.
Since nitrite is water-soluble, washing and soaking Blood Birds Nests thoroughly can in general remove up to more than 90% of nitrite.
Water used for soaking Blood Birds Nests should be replaced once or twice and should be discarded after use.
Young infants are not recommended to take Blood Birds Nest.

Advice to the Trade

Source Blood Birds Nests from reliable suppliers.
According to the Preservatives in Food Regulation, nitrites should not be added in Blood Birds Nest.
Provide clear instruction to consumers on proper way of preparation of Blood Birds Nest.

Is Blood Birds Nest Safe for Pregnant Women

Some pros and cons are still arising regarding the benefit of Blood Birds Nest and whether it is safe for pregnant women. Some sources mention that there is no scientific research whether Blood Birds Nest provides some benefits for both mothers and babies, but some people who have consumed Blood Birds Nest during their pregnancy have given some proven testimonials. Here are some of them, quoted from www.dayre.me.

Blood Birds Nest is safe for pregnant women as long as washed properly:

“My parents-in-law came across articles saying that Blood Birds Nest might contain bleaching additive which may cause cancer. But after further research, they told us it should be ok if we soak it overnight to let all dirts out, and as long as I don’t overconsume”
- @careen

Blood Birds Nest contains antioxidant, protein, amino acids, collagen, and other nutrients and minerals, which are scientifically proven to help to regenerate skin cells, enhance the skin tone, repair the tissue and moisturize the skin to become brighter and smoother:

“My friend ate Blood Birds Nest for her two pregnancies. Both her husband and her do not have good skin. She suffered from severe acne and sensitive skin when growing up. When she knew she has girls in her tummy, she started taking Blood Birds Nest once a week from 20th weeks onwards. She double boiled a leaf of Blood Birds Nest each time. Now, her two daughters both have very nice skin.”
- @fornight

Blood Birds Nest is easy and practical to consume for busy moms:

“Many mothers swear by it, and credit their kid's beautiful and fair complexion to consuming Blood Birds Nest during their pregnancy. Most of them consume from the 2nd trimester onwards, about 2-3 times a week. But most of them consume from bottled Blood Birds Nest that can be bought off the racks, because for most busy moms, cooking and boiling from scratch at home is too much to work.”
- @careen

Blood Birds Nest contains the protein, which is effective in reducing flames and cough, asthma, sore throat and cooling down body heat:

“I bought myself a can of ready-to-eat Blood Birds Nest during my second trisemester. I think it’s not something that we can feel right away, but I did consume the Blood Birds Nest drink whenever I feel my body is heaty, and it’s cooling me down.”
- @angelineoh
In summary, we can see from the testimonials that Blood Birds Nest is safe to consume during pregnancy, which also gives a lot of benefits for both mothers and babies. With simple steps, it can be served as tasty and healthy food, and can contribute as the secret for the healthy and beautiful skin. Should you need Blood Birds Nest to stock, we serve only the highest and premium 100% natural Blood Birds Nest in Australia that has passed through Australian Quarantine Import Permit, the toughest quarantine conditions in the world

blood birds nest

Thứ Sáu, 24 tháng 8, 2018