There used to be a very famous shop selling bird's nest in the Pulau Tikus area.Because of the fact that they charged over the top prices,most customers assumed they were getting the princely pickings.It took a few discerning ones that had parted with thousands by then, to be able to spot and single out the fact that they had actually slotted in jelly instead of pure birds nest while processing the item.Angry customers poured back ,threats and shouting matches ensued.The shop closed down soon after when the rumour exploded.By then the owners had made a fortune.In its place today is a flower shop that looks like a semi jungle.
Coming back to this blood nest issue,if I am not wrong,I think it was early this year or the last that accusations of it being a scam surfaced.As expected the manufacturers and sellers adamantly maintained that it was safe for consumption.This article is the closure of yet another con job food item which these business people will viciously defend to the very end.I sincerely hope that nobody will be ever conned into purchasing this ever again.
The Star
Monday October 25, 2010
‘Blood nest’ makers ordered to cease ops
TWO local bird’s nest manufacturers have been ordered to cease operations for adding nitrates from artificial red colouring to produce “blood nest”, Chinese dailies reported.
Sin Chew Daily quoted Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Chua Tee Yong as saying that their unethical practice was discovered after the ministry received complaints from China importers.
Chua said the “fake blood nest” can cause cancer and the ministry has started investigations.
He also told the daily in an interview that he had sent some of the “blood nest” in his home for testing.
He was shocked to receive a report saying that the “blood nest” given as a gift by his friends also contained nitrates.
Chua urged the public to be extra careful when purchasing “blood nest”.
“Consumers must smell the bird’s nest when they purchase the product.
“If it has a urine smell and the colour of the birds’ nest is very even, there must be something wrong,” he added.
