The Ministry of Agriculture in Taiwan has addressed concerns regarding the safety of locally grown pineapples and king oyster mushrooms, following a food poisoning event linked to bongkrekic acid. The Ministry's statement refuted claims of the toxin's presence in these products, encouraging continued consumer support for these agricultural goods. This clarification was necessitated by the spread of incorrect information after the incident at Polam Kopitiam restaurant, where the toxin was detected.
Hsieh Ting-fang from the Agriculture Research Institute provided insights into Burkholderia gladioli, the bacterium associated with bongkrekic acid. He identified four pathogenic strains, highlighting that only Burkholderia gladioli pv. cocovenenans produces the toxin.
This strain, however, does not affect crops directly. The other strains, implicated in plant diseases, do not pose a risk to human health. The Ministry further detailed the specific conditions required for bongkrekic acid production, underscoring the absence of such conditions in the cultivation of local mushrooms and pineapples.
Assurances were given regarding the stringent control measures in place for mushroom cultivation, emphasizing the non-occurrence of Burkholderia gladioli pv. cocovenenans in crop diseases and the rigorous checks ensuring the safety of domestically produced agricultural products.
Source: news.tvbs.com.tw