Pork is the main food in Chinese diet. Although China is the world’s largest pork producer and consumer, he imported over million tones of pork and cooked pork products from United States due to blue ear disease.

But, nowadays deadly swine flu virus has killed many people in China and USA. So Chinese government banned imports of live pigs and pork products from Mexico, California, Texas and Kansas, according to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine’s report.

Shipment before April 29 are subject to virus checks before they enter China; Shipments starting from April 26 will be returned or destroyed.

Commonly, natamycin is used to preserve sausages and cheeses. Natamycin is derived from a Streptomyces natalensis culture. It is used in powder and crystal form.

The common method cause dust and stickiness, but new method, which also overcome this problem, was developed by DSM. The name of the liquid is Delvocid L. It contains 10 per cent natamycin. It can be applied either by dipping the finished products in an immersion bath or by spray suspension, with a dosage of between 0.5to 2.5 per cent.

DSM specialist claims some advantages about the Delvocid L. These are;

• New liquid prevents yeast and mould growth.
• It is easier to use and help bring cost savings. Because, with exact dose, small amounts are used.
• It resolves dust and stickiness problems,
• The working environment is safer and cleaner, because Delvocid L. doesn’t cause dust formation.
• Applying of Delvocid L. takes less time.
• The liquid has very light color so manufacturer see if the liquid is covered completely.
• Delvocid L. is said to bring eight months shelf life to sausage products and the blocks of cheese.
• It fits the trends towards natural preservatives.

What is Mycotoxin?

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds which are produced by molds. They exist in cereals, dried fruits, apple, grape juice, celery and other foods. Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) determined that 25% food in all over the world are influenced by mycotoxins (especially aflatoxin).

Are There Any Beneficial Molds?

Some molds are used in cheese production. Cheeses such as blue Roquefort cheese, Gorgonzola, Stilton are produced with  P.roqueforti or its spors. White molds are used on the surfaces of brie and Camembert cheeses.  There are also some kind of cheeses which include molds both on surface and inside. Consuming moldy cheeses doesn’t cause health problems.

Can Molds Grow In Fridge?

Molds can grew in almost every temperatures include fridge temperature. Molds also tolerate salt and sugar so even in fridge, they can grow in jam and brine.

How Can We Prevent Mold Growth?

• Hygiene is very important to prevent mold growth. Fridge should be cleaned with water include sodium bicarbonate per a month.
• All utensils which touch foods should be very clean. You should not use utensils that you can’t clean.
• The humidity of the home should be under 40%.
• You shouldn’t buy moldy foods.
• You should control the food before buy. For fresh foods, you should control the part that stem connect to body.
• You should control the meat products especially cured, smoked and ready to eat ones.
• You should prevent foods to contact air directly to prevent the contamination. You should cover the foods with plastic cover or clean cloth.
• Opened caned foods should be consumed immediately.
• You shouldn’t remain quick perishable foods outside the fridge more than two hours.
• We should buy foods in small quantities and consume in a short time.

What Should We Do If There Is Mold Growth On The Surface Of The Food?

You shouln’t smell mouldy food. That may cause respiratory problems. You shouln’t consume it. You should cast it away in plastic package and prevent animals and children to gain it. You should clean fridge or store that mouldy food exist and control ther foods around it in case of mold contamination.