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Toxic shock: China restaurant filmed spraying cancer-causing paint on BBQ meat skewers

  • Paint in cans contain acrylic acid which WHO classifies as a carcinogen

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A barbecue restaurant in China has been closed down by the authorities after it was discovered spraying a cancer-causing paint on BBQ meat skewers. Photo: SCMP composite/Getty Images/Baidu

A barbecue restaurant in China has come under fire after a video surfaced online showing an employee spraying paint on barbecue skewers.

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Footage of the food outlet in Guiyang, Guizhou province in southwestern China raised concerns over food safety because the spray visibly landed on the meat.

“The staff even wore gloves to protect their hands while spraying. Did they not think about the paint getting on the meat?” one online observer said.

“Perhaps they were using liquid nitrogen to keep the food fresh,” said another.

The spray turned out to be carcinogenic paint, according to the results of an inspection by the local arm of the State Administration for Market Regulation Market Supervision Administration.

Video footage captured a member of the restaurant staff spraying the paint on utensils and meat products. Photo: Weibo
Video footage captured a member of the restaurant staff spraying the paint on utensils and meat products. Photo: Weibo

Three cans labelled “high-grade spray paint” were found in the restaurant. The product that is typically used on steel and mirrors, according to Taobao.

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