Use of Boric Acid in Rice Dumpling Introduction 1. Food surveillance findings in the past have revealed that boric acid had been added to rice dumplings as a preservative.
Boric acid gives rice dumplings a fresher look and a better texture.
Risk Assessment and Public Health Significance 1. Boric acid is not a permitted preservative under the Preservatives in Food Regulations of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, Cap.132. Boric acid can produce toxic symptoms in humans, including nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Infants and young children are more susceptible to boric acid intoxication. Control Measures and Surveillance Findings 1.