Embalming chemical found in quarter of goods sold at fresh markets

So you thought being a vegetarian would protect you from chemicals injected in meat?

According to a test done on random examples of meat and vegetables from five markets in Nakhon Sawan province, 25 percent contained formalin, the famous corpse embalming chemical.

The formalin was found in prawns and squid, as well as ginger, fingerroot, mushrooms and yardlong beans, Dr. Narong Sahamethapat, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Health, revealed today.

The test was conducted as part of a project to insure safety in food, as cancer remains the leading cause of death in Thailand.

Dr. Narong reveals the Ministry of Health will investigate the source of formalin use. The punishment for using formalin in food is THB20,000 fine or two years in prison, Thai PBS and Sanook reported.