Tag Archives: Food Safety

Are dead humans being pumped into US food supply?!

Are top scientists warning about dead humans being pumped into the U.S. food supply?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Dead humans are being pumped into US food supply!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The People’s Voice (formerly NewsPunch), which claims that top scientists are warning about dead humans being pumped into the U.S. food supply!

Here is an excerpt of the (intentionally?) rambling and confusing article. Feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!

Top Scientists Sound the Alarm: ‘Dead Humans Being Pumped Into U.S. Food Supply’

The liquified remains of dead corpses are being quietly and deceitfully pumped into the U.S. food supply, according to the testimony of several top scientists.

In 2019, “Human composting” was legalized in the state of Washington in Bill 5001 entitled “Concerning human remains,” that legalized the “natural organic reduction” of human remains.

Coroners and embalmers are blowing the whistle on one of the grossest atrocities now happening to American food, water and cheap supplements. Alkaline hydrolysis, also called liquid cremation, is the process of decomposing a human body using ultra-hot water and a strong base solution. Mainstream media claims there’s no human DNA, flesh or pathogens left after the big melt down, but then, who believes anything Big Food claims anymore. Remember, they’re the ones who say canola oil is “heart healthy” and fluoride in tap water is “good for building strong teeth.” Sure.

This whistleblower coroner says this recycling of dead people into the food and water supply is happening in most U.S. states. Human bones are being ground up into powder and used as calcium phosphate for prescriptions that “treat” calcium deficiencies.n.

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Truth : Dead humans are not being pumped into US food supply!

This appears to be yet another example of fake news created / promoted by The People’s Voice, and here are the reasons why…

Dead humans are not being pumped into US food supply

Let me start by simply pointing out that liquefied human remains are not being pumped into the US food supply.

If that actually happened, it would have been reported widely by the mainstream media all over the world, and resulted in criminal investigations and mass outrage. Yet, none of that happened, because it was all made up!

Unsurprisingly, The People’s Voice article itself did not provide any evidence to back up its claim.

There was no warning by “top scientists”

The People’s Voice article claimed in its title and lede that “top scientists” testified that “liquified remains of dead corpses are being quietly and deceitfully pumped into the U.S. food supply“.

It turns out in the article that those “top scientists” were really just some “coroners and embalmers”… or even more impressively – a single anonymous “whistleblower coroner”.

Regardless of how “top” one may consider these “coroners and embalmers” to be, I don’t think they are considered “scientists” of any kind.

Human composting is common

Human composting is the natural organic reduction of human remains, in which human corpses are allowed to naturally decompose into the soil.

Natural decomposition of human corpses into soil is actually a long-standing practice. Muslims, for example, bury their dead without embalming or cremation. Instead, they quickly wash and bury their dead in a simple plain-cloth shroud without a casket.

Modern human composting services by companies like Recompose, accelerate the process to as little as 1-2 months, by encasing human corpses in wood chips, straw and alfalfa so thermophile microbes can quickly decompose the bodies.

In the US, such accelerated human composting services are legal only in a few states – California, Colorado, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Nevada.

Human compost is not used in food supply

There is no known case of human compost ever being introduced into the food supply. If the body is buried and allowed to naturally decompose in the soil, then the eventual compost would remain in the grave.

If the body undergoes accelerated composting, the compost is either kept by the family, or spread across forests – wherever the family prefers, and the landowner allows. Some companies offer a tree grave service, in which human compost is used to plant new trees, which the family and loved ones can visit in lieu of a traditional grave.

The People’s Voice is known for fake news

The People’s Voice is the current name for NewsPunch, which possibly changed its name because its brand has been so thoroughly discredited after posting numerous shocking but fake stories.

Founded as Your News Wire in 2014, it was rebranded as NewsPunch in November 2018, before becoming The People’s Voice. A 2017 BuzzFeed report identified NewsPunch as the second-largest source of popular fake news on Facebook that year.

Its articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should think twice about sharing anything from NewsPunch / The People’s Voice. Here are some of its fake stories that I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

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Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Is Bill Gates selling fake, lab-grown chickens in stores?!

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Are Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos selling fake, lab-grown chickens in stores?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Bill Gates is selling fake, lab-grown chickens in stores!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The People’s Voice (formerly NewsPunch), which claims or suggests that Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos have partnered up to sell fake, lab-grown chickens in stores!

It also shared a method by which you can spot and avoid such fake, lab-grown chickens being sold by Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos.

Here is excerpts of the article. Feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!

How to Spot and Avoid Bill Gates’ Lab-Grown Chicken in Stores for Your Health

Lab-grown chicken has started appearing on US supermarket shelves following Bill Gates’ multi-million dollar investments in the fake meat industry.

Researchers from the University of São Paulo and Imperial College London assessed the diets of more than 118,000 people living in the UK aged 40 to 69 years old. They found that those who ate Bill Gates’ fake meat products became severely sick and disease-ridden within a matter of months.

What can you do to make sure you do not accidentally purchase a Bill Gates chicken that has been raised in a lab?

A woman uploaded a viral video to social media offering important guidance for consumers in the supermarket in this era of fake meat.

“Make sure you are checking your labels,” said the woman. “Make sure when you guys are buying chicken, you look for this: ‘hatched, raised and harvested in the USA.’”

“If it does not say ‘hatched’ then you will know that it is lab-grown fake meat.”

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Truth : Bill Gates is not selling fake, lab-grown chickens in stores!

This is yet another example of fake news created / promoted by The People’s Voice, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : There is no such thing as lab-grown chickens

Let me start by pointing out that technically, there is no such thing as lab-grown chickens. What people refer to as “lab-grown chicken” is actually “cultivated meat” or “lab-grown meat”.

Such cultivated meat is grown in steel tanks from cells of animals like chicken or cow. The cells are then formed into shapes to make them look like cutlets, nuggets, shredded meat, etc.

In other words, lab-grown chicken-based meat will look like chicken meat products, not actual chickens. So claims that the slaughtered whole chicken you see at the stores might be fake, lab-grown chicken is nonsense.

Fact #2 : Hatched label is used to denote origin

It is not true that the only to determine whether you are buying a real chicken is to look for the label “hatched, raised and harvested in the USA“. That label is used to denote the origin of the chicken – it was born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States of America (USA).

As the American National Chicken Council explained, USDA Agriculture Marketing Service regulations require that chickens sold in retail stores “clearly and accurately identify” its “country of origin”.

USDA AMS regulations already require that chicken sold at retail clearly and accurately identify the product’s country of origin. Consumers seeking USA chicken can already find the ‘Hatched, Raised & Harvested in the U.S.’ label on American chicken.

– NCC President Mike Brown

In short – that label only tells you where the chickens were born or raised. It has nothing to do with whether the chicken product is fake or lab-grown, or made from chickens hatched at a farm.

Fact #3 : Almost all chickens in US will have this label

Almost all slaughtered chickens and chicken products sold in the US were hatched, raised and processed in the United States, and will come with that “hatched, raised and harvested in the USA” label.

More than 99% of the chicken we consume is of domestic origin and can easily be identified.

The remainder are imported from Canada, which has food safety and quality standards similar to the US. Those chickens would not have the “hatched, raised and harvested in the USA” label, but that does not mean they are fake or lab-grown chickens!

Fact #4 : Hatched label may be replaced by Product of USA

In 2023, the USDA proposed allowing meat, poultry and egg products made from animals born, bred and processed in the US to use the alternative labels of “Product of USA” or “Made in the USA“.

Real chickens and chicken products made in the United States may use those labels instead of the usual “hatched, raised and harvested in the USA” label. So just because you don’t see the “hatched, raised and harvested in the USA” label, it does not mean that the chicken is fake, lab-grown, or imported from some unknown country.

Fact #5 : Lab-grown meat is very expensive

Instead of listening to bad advice from people who don’t even understand what origin labels are for, here’s a simple way to differentiate lab-grown chicken meat from “naturally-farmed” chicken meat – lab-grown meat is rare and expensive.

Because the production of cultivated or lab-grown meat cannot be scaled like farmed chickens, it is rare and much more expensive than regular chicken meat. Hence, companies offering cultivated meat will highlight its uniqueness in their packaging and labels in order to justify the high cost.

In short – you are unlikely to be “tricked” into buying cultivated meat. Only those who are willing to pay a premium price to try lab-grown meat will actively look for, and purchase, these rare meat products.

Recommended : Is Bill Gates adding mRNA to our food?!

Fact #6 : Lab-grown meat is safe

The People’s Voice article suggests that cultivated meat or lab-grown meat is dangerous to consume. That’s not true.

Cultivated meat is basically meat cells grown in a steel tank, and so has similar nutritional content. It even tastes the same – people who have actually tried cultivated chicken meat have said that it looks slightly paler (due to a lack of blood vessels), but tastes just like chicken.

There is nothing in cultivated meat that makes it dangerous to consume, which is why the US FDA are approving such meat products for sale after testing them.

Fact #7 : The People’s Voice Is Known For Fake News

The People’s Voice is the current name for NewsPunch, which possibly changed its name because its brand has been so thoroughly discredited after posting numerous shocking but fake stories.

Its articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should never share anything from NewsPunch / The People’s Voice. Here are some of its fake stories that I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Is your watermelon rubbery because it’s fake or GMO?!

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If the watermelon you bought is rubbery, does that mean it is fake or the result of genetic modification?! Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Watermelon is rubbery because it’s fake or GMO!

Videos of rubbery watermelons are being shared on WhatsApp and social media, with people claiming or suggesting that they are fake watermelons, or the result of genetic modification (GMO)!

savage daughter : Are you eating Bill Gates FAKE FOOD?

healthyolifetoday : “Why is My Watermelon Rubbery?🤔”

🍉Rubbery watermelons can be a result of genetic modifications (GMO) that change the texture. These modifications might affect the quality and nutrition of the fruit.

this.is.what.happns.next : What’s going on with our food? #food #fake #rubberwatermelon #fyp #fypシ゚ #xyzabc #scary #rubberfood #fakefood #creepy

Ernest Odukwe : GMO Foods r Dangerous.Rubbery Watermelon.

Cancer management is a multi billion dollar business. How would you eat this and be normal? Why is cancer a household name in America? If we don’t reject GMO vehemently now, we r headed for trouble. #SayNotoGMO #BanGmoImmediately

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Recommended : Is Bill Gates adding mRNA to our food?!

Truth : Rubbery watermelon is not fake or GMO!

This is yet another example of misinformation on food safety, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Watermelon becomes rubbery when overripe

Let me start by quickly pointing out that any rubbery watermelon you may purchase or consume is not fake, or made of plastic. Neither is the rubbery texture due to genetic modification (GMO).

Rather, all watermelons develop a rubbery texture when they become too ripe. This rubbery “phase” occurs before the watermelon begins to decompose, producing a grainy, crumbly texture.

As Rachel Syngo, chief marketing officer of the National Watermelon Promotion Board explained:

All watermelons will begin to have a rubber-like texture eventually as a part of the breakdown process This is a naturally occurring phase in all watermelons before they begin to get a grainy texture and truly begin to decompose.

To be clear – all those videos showing watermelons with a rubbery texture are simply videos of overripe watermelons. They are not evidence of fake watermelons, or GMO watermelons.

Fact #2 : Overripe watermelon is safe to eat

Despite claims or suggestions that such rubbery watermelons may be dangerous to consume, that’s not true. Overripe watermelons may have a chewy, rubbery texture, but they are still safe to eat.

In fact, there are many recipes that make use of a rubbery, overripe watermelon:

watermelon salsa
watermelon basil aqua fresca
watermelon smoothie
watermelon sherbet
watermelon granita
watermelon margarita
watermelon mimosas
watermelon gazpacho
watermelon curry

So there is no need to throw away any overripe watermelon. Just make sure it does not taste sour or have a fizzy sensation in your mouth.

Watermelons that have turned bad may also fizz, foam or explode by themselves, or when you cut into them. Avoid them at all cost, as they have turned bad and are fermenting with a lot of bacteria inside.

When a watermelon turns bad, it’s only good for making “shocking” videos to share on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, etc…

Fact #3 : Organic Watermelon Can Also Be Rubbery

While some people believe that such rubbery texture only exists in genetically modified (GMO) watermelons, that’s not true either. In fact, this person (archive) bought an organic watermelon with a rubbery texture!

I have been seeing crazy watermelon pics of rubbery bad melons. I finally got one. The red swirly bits are over ripe, the rest hard and under ripe. And I am usually a good melon picker. Never seen such a thing. Organic as well!

Again, the rubbery texture is due to ripeness of the watermelon, and has nothing to do with whether it was genetically-modified or not.

So if you want to enjoy a crunchy and juicy watermelon, the key thing is to make sure it’s not too ripe. Otherwise, you will end up with a chewy or rubbery watermelon.

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Is Bill Gates adding mRNA to our food?!

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Did Bill Gates just convinced the government to “force jab” the public by adding mRNA to our food?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Bill Gates Is Adding mRNA To Our Food!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The People’s Voice (formerly NewsPunch), which claims that Bill Gates just convinced the government to “force jab” the public by adding mRNA to our food!

Here is an excerpt of the (intentionally?) confusing article. Feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!

Bill Gates Convinces Gov’t To ‘Force-Jab’ Public By Adding mRNA To Everyday Food Items

Globalist billionaire and self-appointed world health czar Bill Gates has convinced the government to allow him to “force-jab” the public by adding mRNA to essential and everyday food items consumed by everybody in society.

According to Gates, the future of vaccination looks more like taking a breath of fresh air, drinking a glass of water, or eating a salad than getting a shot in the arm.

Gates and the Big Pharma cartel understand that the public are actively opposed to receiving regular mRNA booster shots, so they are finding new and deceitful ways to force vaxx the public without consent.

Healthy and fresh farm produce including lettuce and tomatoes have been hijacked by the elite to act as inconspicuous mRNA delivery systems as the campaign to destroy public health and depopulate the planet goes into overdrive.

Fast forward to 2024 and there is now mRNA in lettuce and tomatoes and lawmakers around the US are moving to legislate for and against mRNA in the food supply.

Bill Gates’ latest venture to mass vaccinate billions of people around the globe with his mRNA ‘air vaccine’ has been given the green-light by multiple governments following a Yale study.

The air vaccine will “indiscriminately” force jab the entire planet with mRNA, delivering the toxic chemicals straight into a person’s lungs.

So we now know that Gates is spraying us from above, slipping mRNA into our lettuce and tomatoes and meat products.

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Truth : Bill Gates Is Adding mRNA To Our Food!

This is yet another example of fake news created / promoted by The People’s Voice, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Bill Gates Isn’t Adding mRNA To Our Food

Let me start by simply pointing out that Bill Gates did not convince the government (which one???) to “force jab” the public by adding mRNA to essential and everyday food items.

If such a plot exists, it would have been widely reported by the mainstream media, not by a well-known fake news website! In fact, it would have triggered a criminal investigation! Yet none of that happened, because… it was all made up!

Unsurprisingly, The People’s Voice article did not provide any evidence to back up its “fact checked” claim.

Fact #2 : All Our Food Already Have mRNA

Let me start by pointing out that all of the food we consume today contain mRNA.

mRNA (messenger RNA) isn’t a scary, new thing. It exists in living things, and everything we eat. It would be impossible to eat anything that does not contain mRNA!

Fact #3 : mRNA Vaccines In Food Wouldn’t Work

Adding mRNA vaccines to food would not work, because mRNA is actually very fragile, and is easily destroyed. In fact, the biggest challenge in developing mRNA vaccines was to protect it from being destroyed by the body!

Any mRNA vaccine that you consume will be destroyed by enzymes long before it can be absorbed into our body, never mind actually enter our cells. That’s the same reason why mRNA that already exists in our food do not enter our cells.

Fact #4 : Bill Gates Post Is Fake!

The cover image used in The People’s Voice article and video has a screenshot which purportedly shows Bill Gates posting on X (formerly Twitter) that:

Soon, everybody will have mRNA running through their veins.

That is a fake screenshot, because there is no such post on X by Bill Gates! If Bill Gates actually made such a shocking post, it would have been reported by the media across the world, and mocked and criticised on social media. After all – we all have mRNA running through our veins!

But of course, that didn’t happen, because Bill Gates never made such a bizarre post! Why would The People’s Voice article use a fake screenshot???

Fact #5 : The People’s Voice Is Known For Fake News

The People’s Voice is the current name for NewsPunch, which possibly changed its name because its brand has been so thoroughly discredited after posting numerous shocking but fake stories.

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

Recommended Reading

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Did WEF officially declare bird flu as international pandemic?!

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Did the WEF just officially declare the bird flu as an international pandemic?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : WEF Declares Bird Flu An International Pandemic!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The People’s Voice (formerly NewsPunch), which claims that the WEF just declared the bird flu as an international pandemic!

Here is an excerpt of the long and (intentionally?) confusing article. Feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!

WEF Officially Declares Bird Flu an ‘International Pandemic’

The World Economic Forum has declared bird flu to be an international pandemic, and has ordered world governments to begin culling billions of chickens.

In America, Colorado has become the first state to enact emergency powers due to the outbreak, and has ordered farmers to slaughter millions of chickens to stop transmission of the disease.

Democrat Gov. Jared Polis announced the disaster emergency declaration last week which “unlocks the resources necessary to help affected poultry facilities respond to and contain outbreaks of avian flu.”

As a result of the incident, 1.78 million chickens will be killed at the Weld County facility where the outbreak occurred, with an afflicted worker reportedly recovering after testing positive and cattle also being affected.

The mass slaughter of close to 2 million chickens prompted concern on social media over the nation’s already beleaguered food supply.

Colorado’s emergency bird flu declaration follows news earlier this month the U.S. government will fund the development of a Moderna bird flu “vaccine” to the tune of $176 million.

The country of Finland also announced late last month they would offer vaccinations for bird flu, despite no documented cases of animal-to-human transmission.

The outbreak is also is drawing comparisons to the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, with some fearing it could be used as a pretext to interrupt the 2024 election similar to the Covid pandemic.

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Truth : WEF Did Not Declare Bird Flu An International Pandemic!

This is yet another example of fake news created / promoted by The People’s Voice, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : WEF Did Not Declare Bird Flu As An International Pandemic!

Let me start by simply pointing out that the World Economic Forum (WEF) did not declare bird flu as an international pandemic. There was no such announcement by the WEF.

If the World Economic Forum actually made such an announcement, it would have been reported worldwide. Yet, there was no such report by the mainstream media… because it was all made up!

In fact, the The People’s Voice article only mentioned the World Economic Forum twice – in its title, and the lede. Thereafter, it never mentioned the WEF, or provide any evidence to support its claim.

Fact #2 : WEF Cannot Declare Any Pandemic

I should also point out that the World Economic Forum cannot declare any pandemic. The WEF is only an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) that focuses on public-private sector collaboration.

The WEF is not a health organisation with the power or authority to declare a pandemic… like the World Health Organization (WHO).

So why on Earth would anyone believe its claim that the WEF just declared bird flu as an international pandemic???

Fact #3 : The People’s Voice Is Known For Fake News

The People’s Voice is the current name for NewsPunch, which possibly changed its name because its brand has been so thoroughly discredited after posting numerous shocking but fake stories.

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Does Bill Gates plan to replace cow milk with maggot milk?!

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Does Bill Gates plan to replace cow milk with maggot milk he just launched called EntoMilk?! Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Bill Gates plans to replace cow milk with maggot milk!

Some websites are claiming that Bill Gates wants to replace cow milk with maggot milk he just launched called EntoMilk. One website even claimed that Bill Gates ordered governments to replace cow milk with his EntoMilk maggot milk!

Infowars / Alex Jones : DISGUSTING: Bill Gates Wants You To Eat Maggot Milk

The future being created for humanity is deeply disturbing

During Thursday’s edition of The Alex Jones Show, viewers learned about the sick Bill Gates project to feed people maggot milk.

Slay News : Bill Gates Launches ‘Maggot Milk’ to Feed General Public

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has launched a new project that seeks to introduce “maggot milk” into the food supply of the general public.

The new “EntoMilk” is described as a “dairy alternative” that is made from “black soldier fly larvae” or maggots. The maggots are blended into a “rich and creamy liquid which looks and acts just like dairy,” according to its creators.

The People’s Voice : Bill Gates Orders Govt’s To Replace Cow Milk With ‘Creamy Maggot Milk’

Billionaire eugenicist Bill Gates has ordered governments worldwide to phase out the use of cow milk in favor of maggot milk.

Gates announced the new “dairy alternative” produce called “EntoMilk” that he says will eventually replace milk from animals. A typical carton of EntoMilk is made from thousands of crushed up maggots.

Once the bugs are blended and processed, the result is a “rich and creamy liquid which looks and acts just like dairy.”

“It’s got a very creamy mouthfeel,” said a spokesperson in the promotional video for EntoMilk below.

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Truth : Bill Gates does not plan to replace cow milk with maggot milk!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS about Bill Gates, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Bill Gates did not launch any maggot milk

Let me start by pointing out that Bill Gates did not launch a new project or maggot milk product called EntoMilk.

If he did, he would have announced it on his LinkedIn page, or his blog – GatesNotes. It would also have been reported worldwide by the mainstream media, and commented on extensively on social media.

Yet, there has been no official announcement by Bill Gates, nor confirmation through the mainstream media. That’s because it was all made up.

Needless to say – none of those making these claims actually provided any evidence that Bill Gates launched a maggot milk product called EntoMilk.

Fact #2 : Bill Gates did not order governments to replace cow milk

There is also no evidence that Bill Gates ordered governments across the world to replace cow milk with maggot milk.

Unsurprisingly, those who made that claim did not provide any evidence that Bill Gates ordered any government to replace cow milk with maggot milk.

Obviously – no government has announced any plans to replace cow milk with maggot milk…

Fact #3 : Bill & Gates Foundation is not involved with EntoMilk

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation also confirmed that it has no involvement with EntoMilk, and claims that EntoMilk is their product is “false”.

Fact #4 : EntoMilk was launched by Gourmet Grubb

EntoMilk was not introduced or launched by Bill Gates, or the Gates Foundation. It was created and launched by Gourmet Grubb – a South African company that started operations in 2017.

Neither Gourmet Grubb, nor EntoMilk, were funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which can be confirmed by the foundation’s portfolio.

Some detractors are pointing to a May 2012 grant the Gates Foundation made to “develop a method for the efficient production of nutritionally dense food using insect species“.

However, that grant was to All Things Bugs, LLC – an American company based in Florida, which has nothing to do with Gourmet Grubb from South Africa, or EntoMilk.

Fact #5 : EntoMilk launched six years ago!

Even more damning – EntoMilk isn’t even new. Gourmet Grubb launched EntoMilk more than 6 years ago! In fact, the official EntoMilk video clip was posted on YouTube on 7 June 2018!

So all those websites or people claiming that EntoMilk was recently launched or introduced aren’t being honest, are they???

Fact #6 : Gourmet Grubb appears to be defunct

Finally, Gourmet Grubb appears to be defunct. Its official website is no longer available, and its domain taken over by other people. Its official Instagram page has also been inactive since 2020.

So why would anyone claim that Bill Gates just launched EntoMilk, when the company making it appears to have shut down 3-4 years ago???

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

Recommended Reading

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Did 13 Countries Sign WEF Ethical Global Famine Treaty?!

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Did 13 countries sign the WEF treaty to engineer an “ethical global famine”?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : 13 Countries Signed WEF Ethical Global Famine Treaty!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The People’s Voice (formerly NewsPunch), which claims that 13 countries signed a WEF treaty to engineer an “ethical global famine” as part of the World Economic Forum’s Agenda 2030 goals!

Here is an excerpt of the long and (intentionally?) confusing article. Feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!

13 Countries Sign WEF Treaty To Engineer an ‘Ethical Global Famine’

13 western countries, including the United States, have all signed a WEF treaty to engineer what they are calling an “ethical global famine” as part of the World Economic Forum’s Agenda 2030 goals.

The following countries have agreed to orchestrate a “controlled demolition” of the agriculture industry worldwide while ushering in starvation and famine for humanity:

United States
Argentina
Australia
Brazil
Burkina Faso
Chile
Czech Republic
Ecuador
Germany
Panama
Peru
Spain
Uruguay

Citing “climate change” and “global warming” as the reasons why such drastic measures must be taken, the globalists behind the climate scam are pushing the notion that agriculture, including animal rearing, must end in order to prevent animal flatulence from heating the environment.

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Truth : 13 Countries Did Not Sign WEF Ethical Global Famine Treaty!

This is yet another example of fake news created / promoted by The People’s Voice, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : There Was No WEF Treaty

First, let me just point out that no country in the world signed any WEF treaty or agreement to engineer an “ethical global famine”. The WEF treaty that the The People’s Voice article referred to was just a statement.

It was just an announcement that 13 countries have committed to “reduce methane emissions in agriculture“. Those countries did not sign any legal agreement or treaty. Neither did they commit to any goals in methane emission, or any particular timeline to achieve those goals.

Last month, the Global Methane Hub collaborated with the Ministries of Agriculture of Chile and Spain to convene the first-ever global ministerial on agricultural practices to reduce methane emissions. The ministerial brought together high-ranking government members to share global perspectives on methane reduction and low-emission food systems.

The gathering led to a statement in which the nations committed to support efforts to improve the quality and quantity of, and access to, finance for climate change adaptation and mitigation measures in the agriculture and food sectors and to collaborate on efforts aimed at lowering methane emissions in agriculture and food systems.

Anyone who reads the announcement can clearly see that none of those countries signed any treaty or legal agreement to reduce methane emissions in agriculture.

If the The People’s Voice article cannot even get this right… you have to wonder – is there anything credible in its article???

Fact #2 : It Happened Over A Year Ago

While the The People’s Voice article appears to suggest that this happened recently, I should point out that this even occurred more than a year ago – on 17 May 2023 to be precise.

It must either be a really slow day at The People’s Voice, or it took them more than a year to read / realise this…

Fact #3 : World Economic Forum Was Not Involved

The The People’s Voice article claimed that the (non-existent) agreement was a treaty by the World Economic Forum (WEF), but that’s simply not true.

Not only does that agreement not exist, the conference which led to the statement of commitment (to reduce methane emissions in agriculture) was hosted by the Global Methane Hub. in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture of Chile and Spain.

The Global Methane Hub is an independent philanthropic organisation dedicated to reducing methane emissions globally, that was established in 2022 in Santiago, Chile. It is led by Marcelo Mena, the former environment minister of Chile, and the director of Climate Action Center at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaís.

To be clear – the WEF was not involved in the 2023 Global Methane Hub conference on “Addressing the challenge of reducing methane in Agriculture“.

Fact #5 : The People’s Voice Is Known For Fake News

The People’s Voice is the current name for NewsPunch, which possibly changed its name because its brand has been so thoroughly discredited after posting numerous shocking but fake stories.

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Did WEF Order Slaughter Of Millions Of US Chickens?!

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Did the WEF just order US farmers to slaughter millions of chickens to prevent bird flu?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : WEF Just Ordered Slaughter Of Millions Of US Chickens!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The People’s Voice (formerly NewsPunch), which claimed that the WEF just ordered US farmers to slaughter millions of chickens to prevent bird flu!

Here is an excerpt of the article. Feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!

WEF Orders US Farmers To Slaughter MILLIONS of Chickens To Prevent Bird Flu

The World Economic Forum has ordered US farmers to slaughter millions of healthy chickens as a preventative measure to stop the spread of bird flu.

Crews have already begun the process of killing 4.2 million chickens in Iowa after one case of bird flu was detected at a farm.

Overall, almost 100 million birds have been killed since the alleged outbreak began in 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Health and agriculture officials have said the risk to the public remains low. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said the meat from a single sickened dairy cow was not allowed to enter the nation’s food supply and beef remains safe to eat.

Workers exposed to infected animals are at a higher risk. The only three human cases confirmed in the United States included two dairy workers and one man working to slaughter infected birds on a poultry farm.

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Truth : WEF Did Not Order Slaughter Of Millions Of US Chickens!

This is yet another example of fake news created / promoted by The People’s Voice, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : WEF Did Not Order Slaughter of US Chickens!

Let me start by pointing out that the WEF (World Economic Forum) is only an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) that focuses on public-private sector collaboration.

The World Economic Forum has no power over world governments, beyond its lobbying and influencing efforts. The WEF may be an influential lobbying organisation, but it cannot order farmers to do anything, never mind the US government.

If the WEF actually ordered US farmers to slaughter their chickens, it would have been reported widely. Yet, there was no such report by the mainstream media. That’s because … it never happened!

Fact #2 : US Agriculture Department Ordered The Cull

It was the US Agriculture Department, not the WEF, that ordered the cull of 4.2 million chickens in Iowa, after a case of the highly-pathogenic bird flu was detected at a large egg farm in Sioux County, Iowa.

Why would The People’s Voice article claim it was the WEF???

Fact #3 : The People’s Voice Provided No Evidence

Unsurprisingly, The People’s Voice article provided zero evidence to back up its “fact checked” claim that the WEF ordered US farmers to slaughter millions of chickens to prevent bird flu!

In fact, WEF is only mentioned twice in its entire article – in its title, and the lede. After that, there was no mention of the World Economic Forum, never mind the WEF ordering any US farmer to kill millions of chickens to prevent bird flu!

Fact #4 : The People’s Voice Is Known For Fake News

The People’s Voice is the current name for NewsPunch, which possibly changed its name because its brand has been so thoroughly discredited after posting numerous shocking but fake stories.

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

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Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Can scopolamine / Devil’s Breath powder put a spell on you?!

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Can scammers use scopolamine powder, also known as Devil’s Breath, to put a spell on you?! Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

Video : Woman Uses Scopolamine / Devil’s Breath To Put Spell On People!

People are sharing a video which purportedly shows a woman using long sleeves with scopolamine powder, also known as Devil’s Breath, to put a spell on people!

👆🏻Watch how she flicks her sleeves into people’s faces. She’s using Scopolomine/hyoscine powder aka Devil’s Breath.

https://www.techarp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Woman-flicking-sleeves-with-scopolamine-video.mp4?_=1

Scammers Can Use Scopolamine / Devil’s Breath To Induce Loss Of Memory

This is yet another example of half truths circulating on WhatsApp, and social media platforms, and here are the reasons why!

Fact #1 : Video Does Not Appear To Be Genuine

Let me start by pointing out that the viral video does not appear to be genuine. Rather, it appears to be some kind of reenactment by Vietnamese actors.

For one thing, the multiple camera angles suggest that the video was recorded using at least two cameras, and in two different locations to boot. That is pretty much impossible for genuine “caught in action” videos.

The recorded audio was also very clear, even at a distance, and the volume did not change even when the cameraman moved in closer. That suggests that the audio was recorded using a boom microphone hovering near the actors.

Fact #2 : Scopolamine Can Be Used To Induce Loss Of Memory

Scopolamine (which is also known as hyoscine, burundanga or Devil’s Breath) is obtained from nightshade plants. Medically, it is used to treat motion sickness, post-operative nausea and vomiting, among other uses.

Criminals, however, are using scopolamine to render victims unconscious, and cause amnesia – loss of memory. Scopolamine attacks are most common in Colombia, where it is estimated that there are 50,000 victims annually.

In fact, the US Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) issued a 2012 travel advisory warning about scopolamine being used to rob tourists. In March 2019, OSAC further warned that the Colombian National Police have reported an increase in thieves targeting tourists with scopolamine in major Colombian cities.

One common and particularly dangerous method that criminals use in order to rob a victim is through the use of drugs. The most common has been scopolamine.

Unofficial estimates put the number of annual scopolamine incidents in Colombia at approximately 50,000. Scopolamine can render a victim unconscious for 24 hours or more. In large doses, it can cause respiratory failure and death.

The Canadian government also issued a 2022 travel advisory (archive) which warned about the risks of being attacked with scopolamine in Colombia. Scopolamine has also been reportedly used in kidnappings, and sexual assault.

Fact #3 : Criminals May Not Actually Be Using Scopolamine!

Despite the media frenzy over scopolamine attacks, and government advisories appearing to corroborate them, there isn’t much actual evidence to support claims that scopolamine is actually the drug being used to “zombify” or “put a spell” on people.

As Val Curran, a professor of pharmacology at UCL’s Clinical Pharmacology Unit said, in response to a tabloid story about scopolamine attacks in Paris:

You get these scare stories and they (the victims) have no toxicology, so nobody knows what it is. The idea that it is scopolamine is a bit far-fetched because it could be anything.

That’s partly because scopolamine only remains in the body for about 12 hours, with a half-life of just 4.5 hours. By the time victims wake up, traces of it may already be gone, even if they quickly seek treatment and get tested.

That does not mean that criminals are not using scopolamine to incapacitate victims. It only means that there is little, if any, evidence that scopolamine was actually used in any of those “scopolamine attacks”. It is possible that criminals are using more common drugs like Rohypnol (flunitrazepam), GHB, clonazepam, etc.

Fact #3 : Scopolamine Attacks Usually Through Spiked Drinks

While there have been claims that criminals are throwing scopolamine in the faces of their victims, or applied it on pamphlets or items, experts have questioned those methods.

For one thing – skin absorption is low and slow – transdermal patches, for example, are used over hours and days. Even when delivered through an injection, scopolamine takes effect after 20 minutes. So throwing powder into someone’s face would not immediately cause someone to lose consciousness or memory.

It is far more likely that criminals are spiking food and drinks, or even cigarettes, with scopolamine or other drugs. That could explain why most attacks occur during dates, or in night clubs or bars, as OSAC warned:

Scopolamine is most often administered in liquid or powder form in foods and beverages. The majority of these incidents occur in night clubs and bars, and usually men, perceived to be wealthy, are targeted by young, attractive women.

It is recommended that, to avoid becoming a victim of scopolamine, a person should never accept food or beverages offered by strangers or new acquaintances, nor leave food or beverages unattended in their presence. Victims of scopolamine or other drugs should seek immediate medical attention.

In fact, anecdotal reports by victims mostly show that their last memory was drinking beer or some kind of beverage with the perpetrators, like these examples:

Drinking beer in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Drinking pink soda with a lady and her friend in Medellin, Colombia
Drinking rum and coke with a Tinder date in Medellin, Colombia
Drinking sangria with a lady in Cartagena, Colombia
Fake shaman spiking drinks with scopolamine to rape women in Madrid, Spain

Here is the takeaway – you should never go to nightclubs and bars on your own, and you should never leave your food or drinks unattended, or accept food or drinks from strangers.

Fact #4 : No Evidence Scopolamine Can Be Delivered Via Sleeves

While there are reports of criminals slipping powered drugs like scopolamine into drinks and even throwing it into the faces of their victims, there is no report of anyone actually using long sleeves impregnated with scopolamine.

An online search also showed no evidence that any criminal ever used long sleeves to deliver scopolamine or other hypnotic / psychotropic substances to a victim.

It really seems very unlikely that sleeves impregnated with scopolamine would be able to deliver a large enough dose quickly enough to incapacitate anyone, or make them amnesic.

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Did McDonald’s Lose Toxic Meat Legal Battle With Jamie Oliver?!

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Did McDonald’s just lose its legal battle against Jamie Oliver over its toxic pink slime meat?! Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : McDonald’s Loses Legal Battle With Jamie Oliver!

People are claiming on social media that McDonald’s just lost its legal battle against British chef Jamie Oliver over its toxic pink slime meat!

Keep it Real : [McDonald’s loses the legal battle with chef Jamie Oliver, who proved that the food they sell is not fit to be ingested because it is highly toxic.

Chef Jamie Oliver has won a battle against the world’s largest junk food chain. Oliver proving how buyers are made.

Colin Young : Did anyone hear Jamie Oliver took McDonald’s to court last week and winning the case stating their food wasn’t suitable for human consumption

Didn’t think you would but it’s true
Absolutely disgusting 🤮

Amanda RN :🚨 [McDonald’s loses the legal battle with chef Jamie Oliver, who proved that the food they sell is not fit to be ingested because it is highly toxic.

Chef Jamie Oliver has won a battle against the world’s largest junk food chain. Oliver proving how burgers are made.

According to Oliver, the fat parts of meat are “washed” with ammoniac hydrogen and then used in the packaging of the meat “cake” to fill the burger. Before this process, according to the presenter, already this meat was not suitable for human consumption.

Oliver, a radical activist chef, who has waged a war against the food industry, says: We’re talking about meat that would be sold as dog food and after this process it’s served to humans. In addition to the quality of meat, ammonium acid is harmful to health. Oliver says this: “The process of the pink crap”.

What sane human being would put a piece of meat soaked in ammonium hydrogen in the mouth of a child?

In another of his initiatives Oliver has demonstrated how chicken nuggets are made: after selecting the “best parts”, the rest: fat, skin, cartilage, visuals, bones, head, legs, are subjected to a mec split smoothie canica – it’s the euphemism that engineers use in food, and then that blood pink paste is deodorant, bleached, re-refreshed and repainted, dipped in flour and fried melcocha, this is left in usually partially hydrogenated oils, that is, toxins.

The food industry uses ammonium hydrogen as an anti-microbial agent, which allowed McDonald’s to use meat in its burgers, which is not suitable for human consumption.

But even more disturbing is the situation that these substances based on ammonium hydrogen are considered ‘lawful components in the production process’ in the food industry with the blessings of health authorities worldwide. So consumers will never be able to discover what substances they put in our food.

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Truth : McDonald’s Did Not Lose Legal Battle With Jamie Oliver!

This is yet another example of fake news circulating on WhatsApp, and social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : There Was No McDonald’s – Jamie Oliver Lawsuit

Let me start by pointing out that there was no legal battle between McDonald’s and Jamie Oliver. McDonald’s did not sue Jamie Oliver, and Jamie Oliver also did not sue McDonald’s.

Fact #2 : Jamie Oliver Did Not Target McDonald’s

Jamie Oliver did not actually target McDonald’s. So there is really no reason for McDonald’s or Jamie Oliver to sue one another.

In the episode of Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution that aired on 12 April 2011, Jamie Oliver spoke out against Lean Finely Textured Beef (LFTB), which he derisively referred to as “pink slime”.

Fact #3 : Jamie Oliver Did Not “Discover” Pink Slime

While much has been made about Jamie Oliver’s “battle” against pink slime, he did not create that term, and he wasn’t even amongst the first to speak out against LFTB, which has been sold since 2001.

The term “pink slime” was reportedly coined by USDA microbiologist Gerald Zirstein in a 2002 email to his colleagues. He was, arguably, also the first to criticise LFTB.

I do not consider the stuff to be ground beef, and I consider allowing it in ground beef to be a form of fraudulent labeling.

Michael Moss from The New York Times posted not one article, but at least two articles on the safety of LFTB – on 3 October 2009, and then on 30 December 2009,.

Two years later, ABC News would air a series of reports on LFTB in March 2011. It was only after the extensive coverage by ABC News that Jamie Oliver actually featured LFTB on his show.

Fact #4 : LFTB Is Ammonia-Treated Beef Paste

Despite its gross sounding name and look, LFTB is simply meat that has been separated from the fat in beef trimmings, and treated with ammonia to kill pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli.

The LFTB technology basically recovers meat that would otherwise be wasted and thrown away. Think of LFTB as low-fat beef paste. Regular ground beef consists of about 30% fat, while LFTB only has about 5% fat.

Fact #5 : McDonald’s Stopped Using LFTB In 2011

McDonald’s announced on 31 January 2012, that it stopped adding Lean Finely Textured Beef (LFTB) to its burgers since the beginning of 2011, and that it was no longer available in its products since August 2011:

At the beginning of 2011, we made a decision to discontinue the use of ammonia-treated beef in our hamburgers. This product has been out of our supply chain since August of last year. This decision was a result of our efforts to align our global standards for how we source beef around the world.

In other words – McDonald’s made the decision to stop using LFTB in its burgers in early 2011 – months before ABC News or Jamie Oliver covered LFTB. It was only in August 2011 that all of its LFTB-based products were cleared out of its supply chain.

Fact #7 : Ammonia In LFTB Isn’t Toxic

Even though McDonald’s no longer uses “pink slime” in their burgers, I should point out that the amount of ammonia used in LFTB isn’t dangerous.

The amount of ammonia present in Lean Finely Textured Beef (LFTB) is actually comparable to ammonia levels present in existing foods:

Food	Ammonia Level
American Cheese	813 ppm
Unblended LFTB	400-500 ppm
Ketchup	411 ppm
Onions	342 ppm
Blended Beef Patty with 15% LFTB	200 ppm
Ground Beef	101 ppm

Ammonium hydroxide isn’t just used to treat LFTB meat trimmings, it is also used to produce a wide variety of foods like cheese, puddings, chocolate, and even as a leavening agent in bread. In fact, the ammonium hydroxide is classified as GRAS (Generally Recognised as Safe) by the US FDA, when used in appropriate concentrations.

Fact #8 : LFTB Uses Ammonium Hydroxide Gas

In his viral video, Jamie Oliver is seen showing a front loading washing machine filled with meat, with ammonia-based cleaning products in the background. He then pours from a bottle marked with “Ammonia” and a skull and crossbones symbol into a large tub filled with pieces of beef.

That is not an accurate reflection of how LFTB products are made, because the ammonium hydroxide used in the LFTB process is gaseous, not liquid. In addition, the LFTB process only uses the ammonium hydroxide gas to increase the pH of the separated meat trimmings, from 5.7 to 9.6 (source).

If there ever is a lawsuit over that Jamie Oliver video, he would be hard-pressed to explain how that demonstration accurately replicates how LFTB meat is really produced.

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Can You Use Magnet To Detect Heavy Metals In Tea Bags?!

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Can you use a magnet to detect heavy metals in tea bags?! Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Use Magnet To Detect Heavy Metals In Tea Bags!

People are sharing a video, which appears to show how a magnet can be used to detect heavy metals in our tea bags! It’s also being used to promote alternative healthcare products to detox or purge your body of these “heavy metals”.

Died Suddenly : They put metals in baby formula, vaccines, and also our food. Why?

PurgeStore : Why are heavy metals in all of our products even in those which are supposedly natural?

Heavy metals are in most products you use, the air you breathe, and the food you eat. These metals are toxic, and they can build up over time and make you sick.

Accumulation of metals can impair brain’s function and development, cognitive abilities and it affects memory. Also, If you’re dealing with fatigue, autoimmune issues, or thyroid problems, heavy metal toxicity may be to blame.

The good news is that certain detox protocols really work, and they can help you feel more energized, and focused.

If you have never done a real detox before and you’re feeling sluggish and slow, cleansing your system is definitely going to help you feel much better, focused and sharper.

Croustillant Dupé : The amount of heavy metals in products claiming to be natural and organic is shocking!

See below other great sources of heavy metal contained in many products that we consume

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Recommended : Did The WEF Just Declare War On Coffee?!

https://www.techarp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Iron-filings-in-tea-bag.mp4?_=2

Truth : You Cannot Use Magnet To Detect Heavy Metals In Tea Bags!

This is yet another example of fake news circulating on X (formerly Twitter), and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : It Was A Herbal Tea Bag

Let me start by pointing out that the tea bag in the viral video is not a typical black / green tea bag that many of us commonly consume.

I traced the tea bag to the Swiss company, Coop, which produces and sells this tea bag as Alpenkräuter-Tee mit Orangenminze. or Organic Alpine Herbal Tea with Orange Mint, under the Naturaplan brand.

This tea bag does not contain any actual tea from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis. Instead, it only contains herbs, and orange mint:

Nettle (Switzerland), goldenrod (Switzerland), orange mint 20% (Switzerland), lemon balm (Switzerland). All agricultural ingredients come from organic production.

Fact #2 : Most Heavy Metals Are Not Magnetic

The video shows a magnet being used to separate and capture some blackish powder. While it is impossible to determine what the blackish powder is from a low-resolution video, that is likely oxidised iron filings (rust).

It is unlikely for magnets to pick out heavy metals, because most of them are not magnetic. The only three elemental metals that are naturally ferromagnetic, and can be “detected” by a magnet, are iron, cobalt, and nickel.

Coincidentally, those three are also micronutrients that are essential for human health, so we won’t count them in the “bad” heavy metals category for the purpose of this article. The “bad” heavy metals that we really want to avoid in our diet, like arsenic, lead, cadmium, thallium, etc. are not magnetic, and cannot be picked up by any magnet.

Therefore, it is highly likely that the blackish powder seen in the video is just iron filings, which is easily picked up by a magnet, and is also a common contaminant in tea. I will explain in the next section…

Fact #3 : Iron Filings Are Common Contaminants In Tea

What many people don’t know is that iron filings are a common contaminant in tea powder and tea bags, due to the manufacturing process, which relies on iron machinery.

To make tea powder or the crushed tea leaves used in tea bags, the tea leaves are dried in a sieve fitted with an iron mesh. The dried tea leaves are then cut using iron rollers, before being crushed by crushing / shredding machines made of iron.

The final shredded / powdered tea leaves will naturally contain fine iron particles. Even though large magnets are used to remove those iron filings, some will inevitably remain in the tea.

That is why food authorities worldwide have limits on how much iron content is allowed in tea. For example, Sri Lanka sets the maximum limit at 200 milligrams per kilogram of tea, while the permissible limit in India is 150 mg/kg (although tea producers here have asked for the limit to be increased to 500 mg/kg).

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

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Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Does Indocafe Instant Coffee Contain Harmful Drugs?!

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Was Indocafe instant coffee mix found to contain harmful drugs?! Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Indocafe Coffee Mix Contains Harmful Drugs!

People are sharing a video clip on WhatsApp, TikTok, and social media, claiming or suggesting that Indocafe instant coffee mix was found to contain harmful drugs!

WhatsApp example #1 : Please viral to all your family and friends in your group

Discovery of sachets in Indocafe 3 in 1 coffeemix from Indonesia, mixed with harmful drugs??

WhatsApp example #2 : Hati hati Indocafe mengandung DRUGS, disini ada ibu2 ( ibunya temanku ) sesudah minum itu langsung pusing2 masuk Emergency room.

Be careful, Indocafe contains DRUGS, there are women here (my friend’s mother) who immediately got dizzy and went into the emergency room after drinking it.

TikTok example : #Indocafe Cofeemix terlihat ada zat yg mungkin jg berbahaya warna merah,Maka kita berhati-hati mengkomsumsi nya..

#Indocafe Cofeemix seems to contain substances that may also be dangerous in red, so we should be careful when consuming them..

9gag example : They said this is a killer drugs inside a coffee sachet to depopulization , can any capt explain??

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https://www.techarp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Indocafe-Coffee-Mix-drugs-claim-1.mp4?_=3

Here is the rough English translation of the commentary in Indonesia / Bahasa Malaysia:

Here are all the drugs. From Indonesia. New coffee from Indocafe, which I will open now. This is new okay, now we open. Let’s throw this first okay. Empty. Okay. Let’s open. Let’s see if there are still reddish drugs. Oh my God… Oh my God… There’s a lot.

Truth : Indocafe Coffee Mix Does Not Contain Harmful Drugs!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS being shared on WhatsApp and online platforms like TikTok and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Many Indocafe Customers Disputed Claim

The video appears to have been posted on TikTok by @dianaz780 on 26 November 2023 (archive).

Many people who commented on the video pointed out that they have never seen such pink-coloured drugs or dangerous substances in their Indocafe coffee mixture, even though some have been drinking it for many years.

Personally, I have also made and drunk this particular Indocafe instant coffee mix, and have never seen such pink-coloured substances before.

Fact #2 : Indocafe Labelled Video As “False”

On the same day, Indocafe advised people on Instagram not to fall for the “hoax”, stating that it has more than 38 years of experience in the industry. Then on 29 November 2023, Indocafe issued a statement (archive) through their lawyer, labelling the video as “false” and “fake news”. Here is the English translation:

In connection with the video currently circulating on social media regarding our product, namely Indocafe Coffeemix, which contains drugs, we hereby deny in the strongest possible terms that this is false and is fake news.

The statement also pointed out that the Indocafe Coffeemix product is monitored by the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM)

Recommended : Can Bak Kut Teh Herbal Soup Cause Liver Damage?!

Fact #3 : Unknown What Those Pink Substances Are

Unless the person who created that video sends the samples to Indocafe (or an independent laboratory) for testing, it is impossible to know what those pink-coloured pieces really are.

Could the instant coffee mix sachets have been tampered with? Or is it possible that these are counterfeit Indocafe coffee mix sachets?

Fact #4 : Pink Substance May Be Annatto

Assuming the sachets were not contaminated or tampered with, what could those pink pieces be? Short of a laboratory test, it would be quite impossible to know.

That said, the ingredients (archive) of this particular Indocafe Coffeemix 3-in-1 product may offer us a clue:

Sugar, Non-Dairy Creamer [Glucose Syrup, Hardened Vegetable Fat, Sodium Caseinate (contain milk protein), Stabilizer (E452ii, E340ii) and Emulsifier (non-animal origin) (E471), Anti-caking Agent (E554), Colour (160b)], Indocafé Instant Coffee.

The three key components of this coffee mix are sugar, non-diary creamer, and coffee. But one of the components of the non-diary creamer is 160b (E160b), also known as Annatto – orange-red food colouring from the seeds of the Bixa orellana tree.

It is possible that the annatto powder may have clumped together with the other components of the creamer, caking them into large pieces in the presence of excessive moisture.

Recommended : Can Bak Kut Teh Herbal Soup Cause Liver Damage?!

Fact #5 : Narcotics Are Expensive

While contamination or counterfeiting might be possible, it is absurd to claim, without evidence, that the pink substances are “dangerous drugs”. For one thing – narcotics are expensive. Who would be so stupid enough to put narcotics into cheap instant coffee mix?

Fact #6 : World Population Is Now Over 8 Billion

Claims that these “dangerous drugs” are being used to kill people and depopulate the world is a ridiculous conspiracy fantasy. Anyone who opens a sachet would immediately see the large pink pieces, thus foiling the dastardly plans of an incompetent evil cabal that has hitherto failed to stop the world from expanding to 8 billion people!

A real “Deep State operative” would have blended the poison to mix evenly with the coffee mix. And a real evil depopulation cabal would have done a better job of stopping population growth! This is nothing more than a silly conspiracy theory.

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Is Food Being Fried With Plastic To Last Longer?!

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Are food vendors selling fried food coated with plastic to make them crispy for a longer time?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Fried Food Are Being Coated With Plastic!

People are sharing messages on WhatsApp and social media platforms, claiming or suggesting that some food vendors are coating their fried food in plastic, so they will stay crispy for a longer time!

PISANG GORENG WILL MAKE YOU SICK

This is a true story (from my friend). Mum said my uncle saw it in Tunjang (Kedah) and the pasar malam in Titi Chai Kangar (Perlis) where goreng pisang was sold in the afternoons. The hawker added a plastic drinking straw into a wok of hot oil and let it melt completely before he started to fry some bananas in the bubbling oil. This is why some fried bananas and ubi are so crispy… for hours…!!

My uncle asked the hawker about this, but the hawker did not answer him. When my uncle told my mum about this, they realised this is how the hawkers ensure that fried food stays crispy for their customers. My mum said that in Thailand , they do the same thing to keep fried ikan bilis and fried onions crispy, even if left in the open for hours!!

Another time, I was with my family in Cameron Highlands . It was 3:00 pm and we were hanging around the market area, where there were several hawker stalls. At one of them, there was a big wok of boiling oil with an empty plastic bottle floating in it and slowly melting.

At first I thought it had fallen into the oil accidentally, but then I saw a little girl, about 7-years old, holding a pair of chopsticks and stirring the bottle around in the hot oil. I realised, Oh my God… these people were using melted plastic to fry food, so that the fried snacks would not turn soft when it cooled down later.

Please forward to all your friends… DO NOT EAT CRISPY FRIED SNACKS from the hawkers!! Even if you don’t see them melting the plastic in oil, they might have added the plastic a few hours before. After all, they keep the black oil for next day’s frying as well, to save cost on cooking oil.

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Fried food vendor | Photo credit : Time Out

Truth : Fried Food Are Not Being Coated In Plastic!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS being shared on WhatsApp and social media platforms, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : No Evidence Of Fried Food Coated In Plastic

Camera phones and smartphones have been around for some 20 years now, allowing people to snap photos and take video clips of everything that catches our eyes.

Social media is full of people posting photos and videos of everything from purchases and holidays, to acts of crime or tragedies. Yet no one has ever taken a photo or video of a food vendor adding plastic to their cooking oil, or selling fried food coated in plastic.

Fact #2 : No Food Vendor Was Ever Reported For Such Crimes

It is ludicrous to believe that any food vendor would publicly add inedible plastic to their frying oil in full view of their customers. If that actually happened, their customers would have reported them to the authorities.

Yet, no one appears to have ever made such a report. There has been no verified news report on such a crime either. That’s because it never happened.

Fact #3 : Plastic Smells When Melting / Burning

If you have ever accidentally burned or melted any plastic item, you will recall how melting or burning plastic stinks.

If any vendor melts plastic in frying oil, it is very likely their customers would be able to smell the melting plastic. It would be quite impossible for food vendors to get away with melting plastic in their frying oil.

Recommended : Did Bill Gates Create Lab-Grown Meat That Moves?!

Cheese chocolate fried bananas | Photo credit : Denai.my

Fact #4 : Many Plastics Are Heat Resistant

The fake news creator claimed to have personally witnessed a plastic bottle melting in the frying oil. But is that even possible?

Cooking oil and bottled water are stored in plastic bottles made from PET (Polyethylene terephthalate)., which melts at 260°C (500°F).

Palm oil – the most common oil used for deep frying, has a smoking point of just 232°C / 450°F. In other words, the cooking oil will break down and start smoking before the plastic bottle even begins to melt!

The only cooking oils that are stable enough above 260°C are refined safflower oil and avocado oil. They are the only cooking oils that are remotely capable of melting PET plastic bottles. Needless to say, they are both much harder to find and A LOT more expensive than palm oil.

Fact #5 : Plastic Coated Food Is Impossible To Eat

Even if you successfully coat your food with plastic, it won’t be crispy as you might expect. In fact, plastic coated food will be quite impossible to eat.

The plastic coating would be hard to chew through. Try placing a food item inside a plastic bag, and chewing the whole thing. Not much fun, is it?

Fact #6 : Melted Straws Won’t Dissolve In Oil

Most drinking straws are made of polypropylene, which has a melting point of 130 to 171 °C (266 to 340 °F). So it is possible to melt them in frying oil.

However, the melted plastic won’t actually dissolve in the oil, which is what most people expect. Instead, it just becomes a misshapen clump of soft plastic, as this video shows.

Recommended : Can Bak Kut Teh Herbal Soup Cause Liver Damage?!

Fact #7 : Plastic-Coated Food Will Be Waterproof + Last Forever

Plastic-coated fried foods, if they do actually exist, will be quite easy to spot. They will be waterproof and won’t spoil even if you leave them in open air for many days.

Fact #8 : Plastic Cannot Be Digested

Plastic cannot be absorbed or digested by our body. So any fried food coated with plastic, if they do exist, will pass through our gastrointestinal system intact. For example, if you fry anchovies and coat them with plastic, they will pass out in your stool in pristine condition!

The only danger of swallowing these plastic-coated food items is that they may cause intestinal obstruction. That’s why turtles die when they chew on plastic bags.

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Is Seafood In Europe Highly Radioactive According To IAEA?!

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Is seafood in Europe highly radioactive according to the IAEA?! Is that why Europe did not ban the import of Japanese seafood?!

Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Seafood In Europe Is Highly Radioactive According To IAEA

Pro-CCP activists, as well as the Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛), are sharing and promoting a video, which claims to show that seafood in Europe is highly radioactive, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The person speaking on the video then suggests that is the reason why Europe did not ban Japanese seafood after the release of treated Fukushima waste water…

European seafood is completely inedible. Why do I say so? Let’s look at this website.

Does the IAEA know about this website? If you don’t know, check it out yourself.

Let’s take a look. There are tests for nuclear contamination in waters around the world.

You know that part of the ocean? It’s called the Sea of Japan. You can see it. The sea pollution around the Japanese islands is very serious.

There are no problems in the waters near Russia. There are no problems in the waters around us [China].

And then we go to the Western Hemisphere. See here? Everyone knows where this is, right?

Did you see it? The entire waters of Europe were wiped out. Almost nothing was spared. Did you see it?

Stop eating Atlantic salmon. Stop eating seafood imported from Europe. Do not eat any seafood. It is absolutely terrifying. So scary.

Now you must know – Why doesn’t Europe ban the import of Japanese seafood? Because the seafood quality and water quality are better than theirs

https://www.techarp.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IAEA-Europe-radioactive-seafood-wumao-video.mp4?_=4

Truth : AIEA Never Labelled Seafood In Europe As Radioactive!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created or promoted by pro-CCP supporters and/or the Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛), and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Video Was Recorded Of IAEA MARIS Website

Let me just point out the video was recorded of the IAEA MARIS (Marine Radioactivity Information System) website, specifically its Explore (Beta) feature. You can actually try it out for yourself.

In the IAEA MARIS website, simply click on Explore (Beta) at the top, and you will see a globe with coloured hexagonal markings all over it. By default, it looks at radioactive sampling of seawater across the world, which is precisely what the video shows.

Fact #2 : Coloured Hexagons Show Sample Count

The speaker on that viral video suggests that the larger number and red colour of the markers denote higher radioactivity. That is misleading and completely false.

The truth is – the colour of each hexagon is the indicator of the number of samples taken in the area covered by the hexagon. In fact, it’s clearly stated by the Sample count label at the lower right corner of the map.

In addition, if you hover over any coloured hexagons, you can see the number of samples taken at that site.

In other words – the IAEA MARIS map shows that Europe and Japan are highly monitored for radioactivity, while countries like Russia and China lack monitoring for seawater radioactivity.

Interestingly, the viral video has a large yellow background for the English translation that conveniently covers up the “Sample count” label for most of the video. Coincidence?

Fact #3 : Radioactive Samples Cover Many Decades

What the viral video will also not tell you is that the seawater samples taken for radioactivity tests cover many decades – from as far back as 1957, and as recent as 2021. That means the data shown on that map covers 64 years!

If you click on the Sampling year option on the left, you can select a particular year, and you will see that there are relatively few samples taken each year.

Fact #4 : IAEA MARIS Shows Tritium Radioactivity Too

The IAEA MARIS website actually shows radioactivity measurements for tritium taken by those samples in Bq/m3 units. But interestingly, the video chose to (misleadingly) use the sample count option to “show” radioactivity.

If you want to try it out in the Explore (Beta) section of the IAEA MARIS website, simply click on Measurements under Analysis options.

You will see that several areas in Europe have high levels of tritium – over 10K-50K Bq/m3, but those were taken in the 90s and early 2000s.

More importantly, the IAEA MARIS map shows that radioactivity off the coast of Japan was low. Perhaps that’s why the viral video chose to use the sample count option instead…

Fact #5 : This Is Just CCP Propaganda

This is just ultimately just another example of CCP propaganda, created / spread by pro-CCP supporters and the Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛).Here are other examples:

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Did Australia Approve Mandatory Bill Gates mRNA Vaccine?!

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Did Australia just approve a mandatory Bill Gates mRNA vaccine for livestock?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Australia Approves Mandatory Bill Gates mRNA Vaccine For Livestock!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The People’s Voice (formerly NewsPunch), claiming / suggesting that Australia has just approved a mandatory Bill Gates mRNA vaccine for livestock!

Australia Approves Mandatory Bill Gates mRNA Vaccines for ALL Agriculture

Australia has announced plans to inject Bill Gates’ mRNA vaccines into all livestock destined for people’s dinner plates.

According to reports, the Australian government plans to make the vaccine rollout mandatory for all animals, regardless of whether cattle farmers agree or not.

On May 2, 2023, Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) announced funding for a project to ‘test mRNA vaccines that can be rapidly mass-produced in Australia in the event of a lumpy skin disease or other exotic disease outbreak’.

The fall-out of Covid mRNA vaccines is likely to continue for the best part of a century as a percentage of vaccinated individuals ‘die suddenly’ or suffer from long-term debilitating illnesses. These are quickly becoming a burden for the health industry and state finances after vaccine manufacturers hand-waved responsibility because it was an ‘emergency’. Most nations are setting up compensation pools of cash to cope with the growing list of individuals who claim to have been harmed.

Another excuse used to feather the nest of mRNA vaccines is that they are thought to provide the solution for influenza-style viruses which traditional vaccines have proven ineffective against. Everyone wants to see an effective vaccine against respiratory viruses, but it’s almost as if the doe-eyed vaccine industry has put on a blindfold for the last three years. mRNA Covid vaccines did next to nothing to combat or control the influenza-style Covid and do not, based on what we have seen, offer any advantage to traditional vaccines for this problem beyond the feel-good marketing headlines. There is a strong argument that for the majority of the population, they did more harm than good.

Instead of suspending all mRNA vaccines until we understand what went wrong, they are being given priority treatment by regulators and championed by manufacturers who love the competitive edge of speed their production offers. Governments, particularly the (broke?) Victorian state government, are funnelling tens of millions into mRNA development to keep capitalising on the political popularity they enjoyed during the Covid era.

Australians need to be aware that mRNA vaccines are coming for the agricultural industry and they will likely be compulsory. America is having a serious conversation about whether this should be allowed, and Australia needs to do the same thing. It is perfectly reasonable to require extensive long-term safety data before we revolutionise agriculture.

This conversation will not happen on its own. Australia’s agricultural elite resemble a body of yes-men nodding furiously toward mRNA. Family farmers – disempowered, constrained, and demoralised – have no voice in this matter. Their wishes will be bulldozed by a small collection of billion-dollar farming entities, several of which are foreign-owned.

If Australians care about what they eat, it’s time to start making a racket.

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Truth : Australia Did Not Approve Mandatory Bill Gates mRNA Vaccine For Livestock!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created / promoted by The People’s Voice, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Australia Has No mRNA Vaccine Plan For Livestock

The Australian government never announced any mRNA vaccination plan for livestock. There is also no mRNA vaccine mandate for livestock in Australia.

The People’s Voice certainly did not provide any evidence to back any claim that the Australian government approved any mRNA vaccine for livestock.

Fact #2 : Livestock Are Not Being Given mRNA Vaccines

I should also point out that no mRNA vaccine has been developed for livestock anywhere in the world, never mind approved for mandatory vaccination.

Until such an mRNA vaccine is developed and tested, it cannot be approved, and there can be no mass vaccination of livestock. Australia has certainly not approved any mandatory mRNA vaccination of livestock.

Fact #3 : MLA Is Funding mRNA Vaccine Project

In May 2023, Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) – an independent company based in Sydney, announced that it was funding a project to produce and test mRNA vaccines to target a lumpy skin disease (LSD), our other exotic disease outbreaks.

This initiative does not have anything to do with Bill Gates. It is certainly not a requirement in Australia.

This project will develop a mRNA vaccine pipeline initially for LSD, but potentially for other emergency diseases. This will enable capacity for rapid mass production of a vaccine for LSD in the event of an outbreak.

No LSD vaccines are registered for use in Australia yet. While some killed vaccines exist overseas, the path to registration in Australia for traditionally-produced is longer than that of an mRNA vaccine.

In fact, The People’s Voice article only mentioned Bill Gates in its title and lede. It never mentioned how Bill Gates is related to the mRNA vaccine being developed by MLA. It certainly provided no evidence of such a link.

Fact #4 : MLA mRNA Vaccine Has Not Been Approved

The MLA Program Manager for Animal Wellbeing, Michael Laurence, also pointed out that the LSD vaccine is currently undergoing tests until the end of the year.

In other words – the company isn’t even sure if its lumpy skin disease vaccine is effective, never mind seek approval!

The LSD vaccine construct is now being tested for efficacy in animals. By the end of this year, we will know if this vaccine will work in ruminants

To be clear – any claim that this vaccine has been approved for voluntary / mandatory vaccination of livestock at the time the article was posted is utter nonsense. Complete bullshit.

Fact #5 : The People’s Voice Is Known For Publishing Fake News

The People’s Voice is the current name for NewsPunch, which possibly changed its name because its brand has been so thoroughly discredited after posting numerous shocking but fake stories.

Its articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should NEVER share anything from NewsPunch / The People’s Voice. Here are some of its fake stories that I fact checked earlier:

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Did Bill Gates Create Lab-Grown Meat That Moves?!

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Did Bill Gates just create a synthetic, lab-grown chicken drumstick made from “mystery meat” that can move?!

Take a look at the viral claims, and find out why hybrid immunity offers even better protection!

Claim : Bill Gates Created Lab-Grown Meat That Moves!

People are sharing a post on X (formerly Twitter), which claimed or suggested that Bill Gates just created a synthetic, lab-grown chicken drumstick made from “mystery meat” that can move!

The video which is attached to the post shows a cooked chicken drumstick which appears to be twitching and moving!

In that viral post, Lauren Witzke called for the lab-grown mystery meat to be seized and destroyed, and that the scientist(s) who created it should be arrested.

Lauren Witzke : All of Bill Gates’ Lab-grown mystery meat should immediately be seized and incinerated followed by the immediate arrest of every scientist responsible for this monstrosity.

Her video and post were then shared / promoted by other X accounts that often promote or share misinformation. For example, the infamous DiedSuddenly account:

DiedSuddenly : This is insane.

And somehow, vaccines get linked to it…

Naughty Beaver : When you find out what was going on underground on this planet and out in space, you will quickly see why some of us knew to run from all of this so early. Vaccines included. 😒

https://www.techarp.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Bill-Gates-lab-grown-meat.mp4?_=5

Truth : Bill Gates Did Not Create Lab-Grown Meat That Moves!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created / circulating on X (formerly Twitter), and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Video Was Created By Russel Cameron

Let me start by pointing out that the video has a watermark :

@providingforthecommunity Russel Cameron

Anyone who even takes 5 seconds to do a web search for Russel Cameron will quickly realise that the video has nothing to do with Bill Gates, or any lab-grown mystery meat!

Fact #2 : It Was A Russel Cameron Video Art

Russel Cameron is a self-taught American artist and sculptor. A Brooklyn, New York, native, he specialises in created “dark emotive and somewhat unsettling sculptures”. He has two Instagram channels:

@russelcameron, which showcases sculptures featuring anatomical parts
@providingforthecommunity, which showcases food-based video art

The original viral video was posted on Russel Cameron’s @providingforthecommunity Instagram page on Sunday, 26 November 2023.

Fact #3 : Russel Cameron Never Mentioned Bill Gates

It is uncertain why anyone would think that this video had anything to do with Bill Gates, as Russel Cameron never alluded to it on his Instagram post.

providingforthecommunity : Quality you can trust. #reel #reels #instareels #instagram #instadaily #labgrown #insta #instagood #labmeat

As you can see, Russel Cameron never mentioned Bill Gates even once in his post…

Fact #4 : Cooked Meat Would Not Be Moving

I should also point out that anyone with an ounce of common sense would realise that the video is not genuine as the cooked drumstick was twitching and moving on its own.

Never mind the fact any lab-grown meat would lack nerve cells to trigger such muscle spasms, the muscle cells would be incapable of moving after being cooked.

Have you ever seen a cooked chicken drumstick move? So why should a cooked synthetic drumstick move, even if it’s made in a lab?

Fact #5 : Lab-Grown Meat Isn’t New

Frankly, I don’t even understand what’s the fuss about lab-grown meat. It’s hardly a new concept. Even Winston Churchill himself wrote about the possibility in 1931:

We shall escape the absurdity of growing a whole chicken to eat the breast or wing, by growing these parts separately under a suitable medium.

The real work on lab-grown meat (also known as cultured meat) started in 2001, both in the private sector, and NASA experiments.

Fact #6 : Lab-Grown Meat May Be The Future

Lab-grown meat isn’t even controversial. In fact, it is seen as more ethical and environmentally-friendly way to produce meat… if scientists can figure out how to make it indistinguishable from real meat, and cheap enough to mass produce.

In May 2008, PETA even offered a $1 million prize to the first company that can bring cultured chicken meat to consumers by 2012. That contest was later extended to 4 March 2014. Unfortunately, no company won that contest…

Since then, many commercial companies have been established to try and produce affordable cultured / lab-grown meat products.

The public also appears to be highly supportive of lab-grown meat. On 27 April 2022, the European Commission approved a request to collect signatures for the European Citizens’ Initiative to “End the Slaughter Age“, which proposed to shift subsidies from animal husbandry to cellular agriculture.

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Can Bak Kut Teh Herbal Soup Cause Liver Damage?!

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Did an Australian study show that Bak Kut Teh herbal soup can cause liver damage?!

Take a look at what the study showed, and what the facts really are!

Updated @ 2023-11-24 : Refreshed after claims went viral again
Originally posted @ 2022-07-15

Study : Bak Kut Teh Herbal Soup Can Cause Liver Damage!

Australian scientists caused a ruckus in 2022 when their study alleged that the Asian herbal soup called Bak Kut Teh can cause liver damage.

The media excitedly jumped on it, with alarming titles to draw attention (and drive traffic?) :

Adelaide Now : Adelaide forensic expert issues safety warning over liver failure soup

ABC : Bak kut teh herbal soup may cause liver damage and interact with medication, study finds

Medical Xpress : Popular Malaysian soup can cause liver damage when mixed with medication

The Epoch Times : University Professor Warns of Risks Caused by Popular Chinese Soup

Says : Australian Researchers Find Bak Kut Teh Can Cause Liver Damage When Taken With Medicine

Truth : Study Does Not Show Bak Kut Teh Causing Liver Damage!

Despite the alarming titles, there is no need to panic… because the study does NOT show the herbal soup causing any liver damage.

Here is a quick summary for those who just need to know the basics :

It was a laboratory study, which means the results may not translate into actual effect in a living human being.
What we eat is digested and broken down, so our body absorbs the nutrients and not the actual food. Hence, the study does not accurately replicate what happens in our body.
They didn’t test bak kut teh… they only tested four soup bases used to make bak kut teh.
The soup concentrations were unspecified, so it is unknown if the doses are equivalent to what our livers are subjected to after a meal.
They did not test drug interactions, so it is amazing how so many media outlets claimed that the study showed that bak kut teh may interact with medication!

In short, this study does not show that bak kut teh causes liver damage. Neither does it show bak kut teh causing drug interactions of any kind.

I understand Professor Byard’s concerns about the “unknown” contents of these soup base preparations. Certain traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) have been associated with acute liver failure.

However, that isn’t so much a “bak kut teh” problem, but rather a problem with traditional Chinese medicine or Chinese herbal medicine.

For those who are interested in the details, please scroll down to the next section.

Why Study Does Not Show Bak Kut Teh Causing Liver Damage

Let’s start with the basics, and work our way through the Australian study.

Fact #1 : Study Was Conducted By Australian Scientists

First, the study was conducted by University of Adelaide and University of Melbourne scientists – Susan M. Britza, Rachael Farrington, Ian F. Musgrave, Craig Aboltins and Roger W. Byard.

It was published in the journal Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology, and you can read the study here.

Fact #2 : It Was A Laboratory Study

It is important to note that this was an in-vitro study – a laboratory study, not a clinical study.

In-vitro studies are important, but they cannot be extrapolated to make any conclusion about what actually happens in a human body.

For example, in-vitro studies have shown that hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin have an inhibitory effect on the SARS-CoV-2 virus; but once tested in actual human beings – they were shown to have no clinical benefit.

In other words – what happens in a test tube, may not happen in an actual human being.

Fact #3 : What We Eat Is Not What Our Body Absorbs

There is one big problem with doing in-vitro tests on food – what we eat is not what our body absorbs.

Food gets digested, and broken down into nutrients that are absorbed in our intestines. Even simple sugar gets broken down into glucose, fructose, galactose, maltose, sucrose, etc.

So soaking liver cells in a bak kut teh soup would most definitely not reflect what our liver cells actually experience after a bak kut teh meal.

In short, this study does not replicate what happens in our liver when we eat bak kut teh.

Fact #4 : There Are Many Types Of Bak Kut Teh

Bak Kut Teh is not so much a “herbal soup” as it is a pork soup dish. The name “bak kut teh” literally means “meat bone tea” in the Hokkien dialect, but there is no tea in it.

It is usually just a dish of pork ribs simmered for hours in a broth of common herbs and spices like star anise, cinnamon, cloves, dong quai, fennel seeds and garlic.

But there are many variants of bak kut teh. In Malaysia and Singapore where bak kut teh is most popular, there are at least four main “styles” :

Teochew style : light in colour, with more pepper and garlic
Hokkien style : darker and more fragrant, thanks to a variety of herbs and soy sauce
Cantonese style : includes medicinal herbs for a stronger flavoured soup
Klang style : a thick and sticky gravy, like a stew

On top of that, there are also chicken and beef versions of bak kut teh. Muslims, for example, love the chicken version, which is colloquially called chi kut teh, chi being short for chicken.

And the Malaysian town of Melaka serves a delicious beef bak kut teh, which is based on a unique black pepper soup with red fermented bean curd.

Fact #5 : They Tested Four Soup Bases

The Australian team were somewhat aware of the wide variety of bak kut teh soup bases. They tested four varieties :

Formulation 1 : Dried hawthorn
Formulation 2 : Goji berries, ginseng, bark, and dried mushrooms
Formulation 3 : Polygonatum odoratum, ligusticum chuanxiong, codonopsis pilosula, cinnamomum cassia, angelica sinensis, illicium verum, piper nigrum, and Eugenia caryophyllata
Formulation 4 : Spices, pepper and salt

It is important to note that instead of preparing bak kut teh like you and I would – with meat, vegetables, bean curd slices, etc., the researchers tested soups that were created only using the ingredients listed above.

In short, they did not actually test bak kut teh… they tested soups made from the ingredients above.

Fact #6 : Soup Concentration Was Unspecified

To prepare the four soups for testing, researchers added a sachet of each soup mix to boiling water (of unspecified quantity) for 5 minutes.

The concentration of each soup base was unspecified. They only listed the dilution factor. As such, it is quite impossible to draw any sort of conclusion from the results.

As any toxicologist will tell you – the dose makes the poison. This is why the concentration of any substance is critical in any study. Even water and oxygen – essential to human life to be sure – is toxic at high doses.

Fact #7 : Soups Were Prepared In 5 Minutes

It is important to point out that the soups the researchers used were prepared in just 5 minutes. Bak kut teh is usually prepared by simmering the meat in the soup for hours.

It would have been a good idea to prepare the soup bases like real bak kut teh soup, because boiling the soup for several hours could potentially break down toxins present in its ingredients.

In fact, it would have been better for the researchers to just buy real bak kut teh, instead of resorting to their soup bases prepared in just 5 minutes.

Fact #8 : They Tested Using HepG2 Liver Cancer Cells

It is also important to note that the researchers tested the soup bases by adding them to HepG2 cell cultures, not normal liver cells.

HepG2 is a hepatoblastoma (a type of liver cancer) cell line that was obtained from a 15 year-old boy suffering from liver cancer in 1975.

Now, there is nothing wrong with that – HepG2 is commonly used to test cytotoxicity of substances. Still, it must still be pointed out that HepG2 is not the same thing as normal liver cells.

In-vitro studies based on these cells should not be used to draw any conclusion, only used to drive further research.

Differences	HepG2 Cells	Normal Liver Cells
Cell Size	12-19 µm	15 µm
Cell Shape	Polygonal	Cube
Nuclei	Single large nuclei with 3-7 nucleoli	Two or more nuclei
Mitochondrial Content	Low	High
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum	Poorly Developed	High
No. of Chromosomes	50-60	46
DNA Content	7.5 pg	~6 pg
Genome Stability	Unstable	Stable

Fact #9 : Spices, Pepper + Salt Did Worst In Their Tests

What I found most interesting in their results was the fact that the most “toxic” soup was Formulation 4, which consisted of nothing more than spices, pepper and salt.

Formulation 4 showed the most significant toxicity to the HepG2 cell line with approximately 83% cell death before dilution (p < 0.0001) and persistent toxicity even with dilution 1:10 (15% ± 3.7, p = 0.023) and 1:1000 (14% ± 3.8, p = 0.024)

Well, that’s gonna worry fans of Kentucky Fried Chicken, which boasts 11 herbs and spices, including pepper and salt!

Jokes aside, this result suggest that common spices, pepper and salt are more toxic to HepG2 liver cells than the more fanciful bak kut teh preparations!

Fact #10 : They Did Not Test Drug Interactions

I’m not sure how this study touches on drug interaction, since they didn’t test the soup bases with common hepatotoxic drugs like paracetamol to see if there is a synergistic effect.

No matter how you slice and dice this study’s results, they tell us nothing about any possible interaction with other herbs / drugs.

Yet so many media outlets made the startling claim that the study showed that bak kut teh may interact with medication! Nowhere in the study does it say that!

It appears that most of these journalists probably did not even bother to read the study, and perhaps only paraphrased what other people were writing.

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FDA To Ban BVO – A Stabiliser Used In Soft Drinks!

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The US FDA just proposed a ban of BVO – brominated vegetable oil – a potentially toxic stabiliser used in soft drinks!

FDA To Ban BVO – A Stabiliser Used In Soft Drinks!

On Thursday, 2 November 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finally moved to revoke its authorisation for BVO – brominated vegetable oil – a stabiliser mostly used in soft drinks.

BVO is a vegetable oil that has been modified by bromine, a pungent and oily chemical, to create an emulsifier that keeps the citrus flavouring in fruit beverages from separating and floating to the top.

BVO has long been banned in Europe and Japan over health safety concerns, but was permitted to be used in the United States, at up to 15 parts per million.

While many beverage makers have already reformulated their drinks to replace BVO with other stabilisers, about 90 food products in the United States – mostly sodas, still use brominated vegetable oil. This was partly due to FDA’s past restrictions, and the ban on BVO in Europe and Japan:

In 1970, the FDA determined BVO was no longer ‘Generally Recognized as Safe’ … and began overseeing its use under our food additive regulations.

Over the years many beverage makers reformulated their products to replace BVO with an alternative ingredient, and today, few beverages in the U.S. contain BVO.

– James Jones, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods

The proposed ban is not yet a certainty. The FDA is opening up the proposed ban for public comments until January 17, 2024. That will be followed by a review process, before a final decision is made.

However, the publicity of this potential ban by the FDA will steer consumers away from soft drinks still containing BVO, and encourage brands to reformulate their products to replace brominated vegetable oil with an alternative stabiliser.

Why The FDA Is Finally Planning To Ban BVO

The FDA decision came after California banned the BVO in October, with the passing of the California Food Safety Act. But officially – the FDA came to its conclusion based on studies that showed bioaccumulation of bromine, and its toxic effects on the thyroid:

The FDA conducted studies that clearly show adverse health effects in animals in levels more closely approximating real-world exposure. Therefore, the FDA can no longer conclude that this use of BVO in food is safe.

The studies were conducted in collaboration with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences’ (NIEHS) Division of Translational Toxicology (formerly the Division of the National Toxicology Program), to assess unresolved toxicological questions. Results from these studies demonstrate bioaccumulation of bromine and toxic effects on the thyroid – a gland that produces hormones that play a key role in regulating blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate, metabolism and the reaction of the body to other hormones.

Those studies were conducted between 2016 and 2022. Initially, they started to more accurately measure the amount of BVO in commercial soft drinks. Then they studied the health effects of BVO in test rats, and the study results showed toxic effects on the thyroid:

Between 2016 and 2020, the FDA published improved methods to more accurately measure the amount of BVO in commercial soft drinks on the market and to measure small amounts of fats in vegetable oil. These research efforts enabled the development and validation of the method used in our later animal studies to detect the level of brominated fats in tissues of animals fed BVO.

On May 16, 2022, the FDA published a study in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology that evaluated potential health effects related to BVO consumption in rodents. The FDA measured the amounts of BVO present in the animal food and brominated fats in tissues from test animals. We also fed test animals amounts of BVO that simulate real-life exposure.

The data from the study suggest that oral exposure to BVO is associated with increased tissue levels of bromine and that at high levels of exposure the thyroid is a target organ of potential negative health effects in rodents. The agency also conducted a study to identify the level of BVO in the body after consumption of BVO.

The FDA concluded that after assessing existing animal and human data, together with the more recent FDA studies, it can no longer conclude that BVO is safe to use in food.

Needless to say – even if the FDA has not yet finalised the ban, we should all avoid any food products that contain BVO, even if they meet current regulations.

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Viral Video Proves Japanese Food Is Radioactive?!

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Were Japanese food products proven to be highly radioactive in a viral video?!

Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

Updated @ 2023-10-27 : Added new version, and other updates
Originally posted @ 2023-07-16

Claim : Viral Video Proves Japanese Food Is Highly Radioactive!

People are sharing a video on WhatsApp, TikTok and social media platforms, which claims to prove that Japanese food products are highly radioactive!

In the video, a man explains in Cantonese how he tested the radioactivity level of a Japanese food product, and found that it was highly radioactive.

The radiation of Japanese products exceeds the standard. Please note the video instructions above.

日本产品辐射超标。请注意上面的视频说明

Japanese foodstuffs full of radiation.

Japan has d very toxic nuclear radiation waters to be release or partially released already… be aware…fr d FUKUSHIMA Nuclear plant.

This video is also being promoted by pro-CCP netizens, as well as the Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛).

Truth : Video Does Not Prove Japanese Food Is Radioactive At All!

This is yet another example of FAKE VIDEOS circulating on WhatsApp, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : The Viral Video Is Several Months Old

Let me just start by pointing out that the viral video is several months old, coming to our attention in the middle of July 2023. The video was certainly recorded and distributed on WhatsApp, TikTok and other social media platforms in early July, if not earlier.

At that time, Japan had not yet released treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power station into the Pacific Ocean. So it is impossible for the video to show radioactive food caused by the release of Fukushima nuclear plant’s treated water.

The Fukushima Nuclear Power Station (NPS) only started releasing its ALPS-treated and diluted water into the sea on the afternoon of Thursday, 24 August 2023 – about 6 weeks after the video first went viral on WhatsApp and social media platforms.

Fact #2 : The Viral Messages Are Misleading

The viral English and Chinese messages tied to this video are misleading. The man in the video never once mentioned that this food product was from Fukushima, or mentioned the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

With help from Yuh Hui and Adrian Tung, here is the English translation of what the man actually said in the viral video:

This is a radiation monitoring device.

Now, there is Japanese food that I placed on a bench over there. Now, I will walk towards it, and see how much radiation it has.

As I approach the Japanese food, the radiation reading goes up. Now, I place the device here (on the food). See how the radiation reading is very high. This is food from Japan.

See how the device gives a “beep beep” sound, and the screen turns red. The radiation reading is more than 400.

If you ever go to Japan, try not to eat the food there, or buy any food souvenirs for your relatives and friends. It will be terrible if they get radiation poisoning!

This food was given to me by a friend who bought it from Japan. I’m not going to eat it. I will accept it and will throw it away later.

Fact #3 : That Was An EMF Meter, Not A Geiger Counter

The man claimed in the viral video that he was using a radiation monitoring device. The truth is – he was just the ST1393 EMF Meter, which anyone can buy from Amazon for just $31.39. Here are other purchase options :

The ST1393 EMF meter is designed to detect and measure the electromagnetic radiation produced by magnetic and electric fields. It is not designed to detect nuclear radiation like alpha and beta particles, as well as gamma rays.

To detect ionising radiation from nuclear sources, he needs to use a Geiger counter, not an EMF meter.

As the manufacturer advertises, the ST1393 EMF testers is used to detect “electric field radiation” and “magnetic field emission” from mobile phones, hair dryer, computer, TV, printer, etc. It does NOT detect nuclear radiation!

Fact #3 : EMF Meter Likely Measured Static Electricity

In the video, the EMF meter was seen registering between 292 V/m and 441 V/m. That was the measurement of a static electric field, not nuclear radiation.

If you look closely, the meter says the unit is V/m (volts per meter), and the type is Electric Field. Nuclear radiation is measured in units like Becquerel (Bq) or Curie (Ci) or Sievert (Sv) or Rem (One Sv = 100 rem).

The EMF meter was very likely measuring the static electricity on the Japanese food product’s plastic polymer packaging. If the man tests other plastic packaging, he would likely register similar levels of static electricity.

In case you are worried about the “high” static electricity produced by Japanese food packaging, here are some common static electricity levels:

Natural electric field in atmosphere : 100 V/m
Electric field during thunderstorms : Up to several thousand V/m
Walking on non-conducting carpets : Up to 500,000 V/m
High voltage DC power lines : Up to 20,0000 V/m
Inside DC-powered electric trains : Up to 300 V/m

In other words – you do NOT need to worry about a few hundred volts per meter of static electricity!

Fact #4 : Induction Cooker Not Source Of Electric Field

Some sharp-eyed folks have pointed out that the man placed the Japanese food item on an induction cooker, and posited that the increase in electric field “radiation” was due to EM radiation from the induction cooker.

I have to point out that while it appears to be an induction cooker, it could potentially be a radiant cooker which come in similar designs, with a black glass top. You can only tell them apart when they are operating – the radiant cooker’s heating element will glow red, while induction cookers won’t.

In any case, an induction cooker works by inducing an electromagnetic field to transfer energy to a magnetic pan / pot. So the EMF meter should have registered a magnetic field as well.

Since the video showed no magnetic field, the induction cooker was not powered and would not have affected the results.

Fact #4 : EM Radiation Is Not Nuclear Radiation

Electromagnetic (EM) radiation is a form of radiation, but it is not the same as nuclear radiation.

EM radiation is wide-ranging, and includes everything from visible light to radio waves, microwaves, infrared to X-rays. It is emitted by everything from the sun to computers and smartphones.

Nuclear radiation, on the other hand, consists mainly of Alpha particles, Beta particles, and Gamma rays, that are produced as a result of a nuclear reaction, or radioactive decay.

It is like comparing bicycles with cars. They are both vehicles (radiation), but a bicycle (electromagnetic radiation) is different from a car (nuclear radiation). Getting hit by a bicycle is also very different than getting hit by a car!

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Do Shellfish From East Coast Malaysia Have Saxitoxin?!

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Are shellfish from the East Coast of Malaysia poisoned with dangerous saxitoxin?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Shellfish From East Coast Malaysia Have Saxitoxin!

A video keeps going viral on WhatsApp, and social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter.

According to the lady in the video, Public Health Malaysia just warned people not to consume clams in the East Coast of Malaysia.

Apparently, the clams are polluted by a dangerous algae that produces a toxin called saxitoxin. People who eat these claims, can suffer anything from stomachache, nausea and vomiting, to “rapid death within 12 hours”.

https://www.techarp.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/WhatsApp-Video-2023-10-05-at-10.05.28.mp4?_=6

Truth : Saxitoxin Shellfish Ban In Malaysia Occurred In 2021!

This is yet another example of MISLEADING videos circulating on WhatsApp and social media, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Video Was Originally Posted In October 2021

First, I should point out that this video is not new. The viral video was originally posted on TikTok by Charlotte Chew, on 13 October 2021.

Fact #2 : Video Was Clearly Dated

Charlotte was probably aware that her video may (later) be misused, so she posted the date of her video at the beginning.

So it is peculiar that so many people continue to share the 2021 video, as if it’s relevant in 2023…

Fact #3 : Ban On Shellfish Only Affected Sungai Geting In Kelantan

The danger of shellfish contaminated with saxitoxin did not involve the whole East Coast of Malaysia. Rather, it was limited to a small part of Kelantan. Specifically – Sungai Geting.

On 11 October 2021, the Kelantan Fisheries Department (JPNK) imposed an immediate ban on eating molluscs (shellfish) from Sungai Geting, due to a suspected red tide (harmful algal bloom).

JPNK director Nazri Ishak, at that time, said that the sale and harvest of molluscs like oysters and claims were forbidden.

An analysis by the Fisheries Biosecurity Lab shows that molluscs from the area are contaminated with saxitoxin from harmful alga, Alexandrium minutum.

If consumed, the contaminated molluscs can cause poisoning and pose a threat to human health.

We will do weekly testing until they are safe to eat. As a preventative measure, the harvesting of molluscs is prohibited until the investigation is over and safety is guaranteed.

Nazri also said that red tides commonly occur in Sungai Geting due to hot weather, and other factors.

Fact #4 : Warning Is No Longer Valid

The advice that Charlotte Chew gave in the video is correct, but this warning is no longer valid in 2023.

The ban on eating shellfish at that time was due to a dangerous algal bloom that was spotted in October 2021. As and when these algal bloom occurs, the authorities will issue alerts.

People have to stop sharing old videos, because they are often out-of-date, and are no longer valid.

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Was Jasmine Caught Repackaging Local Rice As Imported Rice?!

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Was Jasmine Food Corporation caught on a viral video repackaging local rice as imported rice to make more profit?!

Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Jasmine Was Caught Repackaging Local Rice As Imported Rice!

A video has gone viral on WhatsApp and social media, with people claiming that it shows Jasmine Food Corporation repacking local rice as imported rice to make more profit. Here are two examples circulating on WhatsApp:

Cheap rice is being re-bagged as imported rice. Another scam by greedy traders. Please viral this. Location – Kuala Kurau This is exactly what’s happening !! From previously RM 25 per bag of 10 kg now it’s RM 39 for 5 kg claiming imported rice

Cheap rice is being re-bagged as imported rice. Another scam by greedy traders. Please viral this. Location – Kuala Kurau

https://www.techarp.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/7274752633238211847.mp4?_=7

Truth : Jasmine Food Did Not Repackage Local Rice As Imported Rice

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Video Appears To Originate In TikTok

The two video examples I received appear to have been originally posted on TikTok by @azizcheani145 on 4 September 2023.

The TikTok account did not include any information, or description, with his video. So the messages that accompany the viral video in WhatsApp and social media do not appear to originate from that TikTok account.

Fact #2 : Video Was Recorded In Kedah

The messages accompanying the video claimed that it was recorded in Kuala Kurau, Perak. That’s not true.

On 4 September 2023, Jasmine Food Corporation (JFC) confirmed that the video was recorded at its factory located in Tunjang, Alor Setar, Kedah. JFC also stated that the video was recorded on Saturday, 2 September 2023.

Fact #3 : Video Shows Imported Rice

The video does not show bags of local rice being poured out, to be repackaged as imported rice.

If you look carefully, there are two types of packaging visible. They both have a blue Imported White Rice (Beras Putih Import – BPI) logo.

Jasmine Food Corporation confirmed the two types of packaging are for their Jasmine Super Special Import and Jasmine Sawah Mas (imported) rice.

Therefore, the claim that JFC was repackaging local white rice to resell as more expensive imported white rice is false.

Fact #4 : JFC Was Repackaging Rice

According to JFC, the video actually shows the repackaging of rice that stores and supermarkets have returned because the bags were torn, or contain (excess) broken rice.

JFC said that this repackaging process is a normal procedure to ensure that the quality of their rice, as part of their replacement policy to wholesalers for rice that do not meet quality standards.

Fact #5 : JFC Issued A Public Statement

On 4 September 2023, Jasmine Food Corporation (JFC) issued this public statement to clarify the video. Here is the machine translation of their statement, and their original statement in Bahasa Malaysia:

ABOUT VIRAL VIDEOS ON SOCIAL MEDIA CONCERNING PACKAGING OF LOCAL RICE INTO IMPORTED RICE

04 September, Shah Alam – Jasmine Food Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (JFC) takes seriously the spread of videos on social media and claims that local rice has been repackaged as imported rice.

The JFC confirmed that the viral video was recorded inside the Jasmine factory in Tunjang, Alor Setar, Kedah on 2 September 2023 (Saturday). However, the claim that the opened rice package is local rice as stated in the video is NOT TRUE. Instead it is Imported White Rice (BPI).

BP repackaging is a normal process when there is an incident of broken rice or dusty rice when the rice is in the store and supermarket. This process is made to ensure that the quality of rice produced by JFC is always in good condition when purchased by our customers. JFC practices a replacement policy to wholesalers for rice that does not meet the quality and standards set by the authorities.

The public is advised not to spread false information or make any speculations that may cause confusion. The JFC does not hesitate to take legal action against those who try to discredit the company.

MENGENAI VIDEO TULAR DI MEDIA SOSIAL BERKENAAN PEMBUNGKUSAN BERAS TEMPATAN MENJADI BERAS IMPORT

04 September, Shah Alam – Pihak Jasmine Food Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (JFC) memandang serius mengenai penularan video di media sosial dan dakwaan beras tempatan telah dibungkus semula menjadi beras import.
Pihak JFC mengesahkan video yang tular telah dirakam di dalam kilang Jasmine di Tunjang, Alor Setar, Kedah pada 2 September 2023 (Sabtu). Namun dakwaan bahawa bungkusan beras yang dibuka merupakan beras tempatan seperti yang dinyatakan di dalam video tersebut adalah TIDAK BENAR. Sebaliknya ia adalah Beras Putih Import (BPI).

Pembungkusan semula BP| merupakan satu proses normal apabila berlaku kejadian kampit pecah atau beras berhabuk sewaktu kampit beras berada di kedai dan pasaraya. Proses ini dibuat untuk memastikan kualiti beras keluaran JFC sentiasa berada di dalam keadaan yang baik sewaktu dibeli oleh pelanggan kami. JFC mengamalkan polisi gantian semula kepada pemborong bagi beras-beras yang tidak menepati kualiti dan mengikut piawaiaan yang telah ditetapkan oleh pihak berkuasa.

Orang ramai adalah dinasihatkan agar tidak menyebarkan maklumat palsu atau membuat sebarang spekulasi yang bole mendatangkan kekeliran. Pihak JFC tidak teragak-agak untuk mengambil tindakan undang-undang ke atas mereka yang cuba memburukkan nama baik syarikat.

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Did Toxic Fukushima Water Kill Fish + Birds In Kuching?!

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Did the toxic Fukushima waste water just kill fish and birds in Kuching, Malaysia?!

Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Toxic Fukushima Water Killed Fish + Birds In Kuching!

People are sharing a video on WhatsApp, which claims to show hundreds of fish in Kuching killed by the toxic Fukushima waste water. It’s paired with warnings like this:

How to explain this happen here in Kuching 🫤🤔

Not too long ago, the pigeons at our waterfront drop dead from poisoning ☹️🫤

https://www.techarp.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/WhatsApp-Video-2023-09-18-at-12.33.24.mp4?_=8

Truth : Fukushima Water Did Not Kill Fish + Birds In Kuching!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS surrounding the release of treated waste water from the Fukushima NPS, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Viral Video Was Recorded In Kuching

The viral video was streamed live by Sarawak Edition at 12:14 PM on Sunday, 17 September 2023.

Sarawak Edition said that it recorded the video at Jalan Rock in Kuching, near the Shell petrol station, and an Indian temple.

I managed to geolocate the exact location the video was recorded (Google Map link) to the monsoon drain next to the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at Jalan Rock, Min Chun Garden, in Kuching, Sarawak.

On the left is the Google Map Street View taken on March 2019, and on the right is a screenshot from the video showing the same electrical pole and high-rise building.

Fact #2 : It Was A Monsoon Drain

If you look carefully at the video, you can see that it is a monsoon drain, and not a river.

According to the person on the video, the dead fish appears to be tilapia. That’s not surprising – tilapia are hardy freshwater fish that can often be found in these monsoon drains.

I should point out that monsoon drains collect waste water from the surrounding area to be treated or released into the sea. The waste water goes into the sea, not the other way around!

Fact #3 : Fish Are Sometimes Found Dead In Monsoon Drains

Even though tilapia are hardy fish, they can sometimes be found dead in monsoon drains. That can occur if toxic substances are poured into the monsoon drain, or drains that flow in.

In February 2022, for example, tilapia fish were found dead in Kulai, Johor. Similarly, over 1,000 dead fish was found floating in a monsoon drain in Taman Seraya, Ampang in October 2014.

Obviously, all those cases have nothing to do with the release of the Fukushima waste water in Japan on August 24, 2023.

Fact #4 : Fukushima Waste Water Cannot Fly…

Fukushima is over 5,000 kilometres away from Kuching, Sarawak, as the crow flies. It is quite impossible for the waste water released by the nuclear power station there to flow all the way here.

Even if the Fukushima waste water is a homing torpedo designed to attack Kuching, it would have to flow past Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, the Philippines, and Vietnam, to reach Sarawak. There would have been reports of dead fish from those countries, but of course, nothing of that sort happened.

But most importantly, the dead fish is located deep inland – some 20 kilometres away from the nearest seaside.

Even if the Japanese somehow designed the Fukushima waste water to attack Kuching, the waste water cannot fly over land to kill tilapia fish 20 kilometres inland!

Fact #5 : Pigeons Were Found Dead On 2 August 2023

It is true that 41 pigeons were found mysteriously dead at the Kuching Esplanade. However, that incident occurred on the morning of 2 August 2023.

The Fukushima-Daiichin NPS only started releasing its treated waste water more than 3 weeks later – on Thursday, 24 August 2023. So the dead birds were definitely not killed by the release of the treated radioactive water from Fukushima…

Unless the Japanese invented a time machine to go back in time to kill those birds with the treated waste water? Now that might make for a good movie plot!

Fact #6 : Kuching Pigeons Were Likely Poisoned

The Sarawak Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) director Dr. Adrian Susin Ambud said that the department collected samples, and a preliminary investigation ruled out avian influenza (bird flu) as their cause of death. He believes that the pigeons were most likely poisoned.

The section of the Kuching Waterfront where the dead pigeons were found is known as a place where the public often feeds a large flock of pigeons. In fact, in this photo, you can see some bird food scattered on the roadside.

Fact #7 : This Is Just Fake News About Fukushima

There is no doubt that Japan is facing a LOT of criticism over its release of the Fukushima waste water, even though IAEA and many experts have endorsed the plan.

However, this is just another example of FAKE NEWS being created around the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster. Here are other examples I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Yasuhiro Sonoda Died After Drinking Fukushima Water?!

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Did former Japanese MP Yasuhiro Sonoda die from cancer, after drinking treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power station?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Updated @ 2023-09-17 : Some minor updates.
Updated @ 2023-09-13 : Added new fact check video, and other minor updates.
Updated @ 2023-09-10 : Updated article with proof Yasuhiro Sonoda is still alive!
Originally posted @ 2023-09-01

Claim : Yasuhiro Sonoda Died After Drinking Fukushima Water!

People are sharing videos and photos of Yasuhiro Sonoda drinking ALPS-filtered water from the Fukushima nuclear power station in WhatsApp groups and social media, claiming that the former Japanese MP eventually died from cancer!

How is Yasuhiro Sonoda, a Japanese official who drank nuclear-contaminated water 12 years ago, now? Why did he disappear?

At the end of October 2011, Yasuhiro Sonoda, the then Japanese cabinet minister, poured half a glass of water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in front of media reporters in order to prove that the treated Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water was “drinkable and no problem”. The treated nuclear-contaminated water of Units 5 and 6 was “drinked twice.”

In December 2014, Yasuhiro Sonoda’s social platform stopped updating; in June 2015 , Sonoda Yasuhiro announced his retirement; at the beginning of 2018, Japanese media said that Sonoda Yasuhiro had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma; in August 2020, Sonoda Yasuhiro died of illness in Melekeok, the capital of Palau.

JERRY GOODE : 🚨☢️ 🇯🇵: Japan MP Yasuhiro Sonoda’s hands shook as he downed a glass of Fukushima Nuclear Contaminated Water in front of reporters and cameras. NOW HE IS MISSING! What happened to him?💀

Finally solved the case, Yasuhiro Sonoda is dead, died of multiple myeloma in 2020.

In June 2015, Yasuhiro Sonoda announced his retirement.
Early 2018. Due to physical discomfort, got checked up in Japan, and diagnosed with multiple myeloma.
At the end of 2018, he received treatment at MIT Medical School in the United States, but failed.
At the end of 2019, he went to Palau to recuperate (waiting to die).
In August 2020, he died in Melekeok, the capital of Palau, due to multiple myeloma and his whole body decomposed.

终于破案了，园田康博已死，死于 2020年，死手多发性骨髓瘤。

2015年6月，园田康博宣布引退。
2018 年初。因身体不适。在日本接受检查。
确诊多发性骨髓瘤。
2018 年末，在美国麻省理工医学院接受治疗
无效。
2019 年末，来到帕劳疗养（等死）。
2020年8月，死于帕劳首都梅莱凯奥克，因多发性骨髓瘤，全身身体腐烂而亡。

INF.News : …many years later, the Health Bureau of the Republic of Palau announced a regrettable news: Yasuhiro Sonoda passed away in Palau in 2020 due to his body gradually decomposing due to multiple myeloma.

Why did the Republic of Palau choose to announce such news at such a critical time when Japan discharged nuclear wastewater into the sea? The answer is actually quite simple: Protest.

The Republic of Palau chose to announce the death of Yasuhiro Sonoda at this critical moment, not only to express their dissatisfaction with the Japanese government, but also to alert the global community to the risks associated with nuclear energy.

Show less

Truth : Yasuhiro Sonoda Did Not Die After Drinking Fukushima Water!

This appears to be another example of FAKE NEWS created and/or shared by the Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛) and pro-CCP netizens, to scare people into boycotting Japan and Japanese food, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Yasuhiro Sonoda Drank Fukushima Water In 2011

First, let me just give you a quick overview of Yasuhiro Sonoda and why he became viral in 2023.

Born on June 9, 1967, Yasuhiro Sonoda (園田康博 / そのだやすひろ) was elected to the House of Representatives in the Diet (Japanese Parliament) in 2003, as a member of the Democratic Party of Japan.

After the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, the 44 year-old MP sought to ease concerns over the safety of the treated water. In response to a challenge by freelance journalist Yu Terasawa, he promised to drink the treated waste water.

I don’t want it to be seen as some kind of performance, but if that’s the best way to prove that the water is safe then I would gladly drink it right here, in front of you, any time.

The Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) prepared a bottle of water from Fukushima Daiichi reactors no. 5 and no. 6, which was filtered and treated using its Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) to remove 62 radionuclides from the contaminated water.

Then, at an October 31, 2011 press conference, Yasuhiro Sonoda filled a glass with the ALPS-treated water before polishing it off in two gulps. Even so, he pointed out that the data was more important than the demonstration:

I am aware that just drinking [the treated water] doesn’t in itself mean that safety has been confirmed. The best way to do that is to present data to the public.

Fact #2 : Yasuhiro Sonoda Retired From Politics

The viral messages suggested something nefarious after Yasuhiro Sonoda stopped posting on his Twitter account in 2014. The truth is – he stopped tweeting after he lost elections for the second time.

After that infamous demonstration, Yasuhiro Sonoda lost his seat during the 46th House of Representatives election on December 16, 2012. He subsequently lost again in the 47th House of Representatives election on December 14, 2014.

His last Twitter post was on the night before he lost his election, showing a video of his last campaign speech on December 13.

The Mainichi Shimbun newspaper would later publish a news article (no longer available online) on June 14, 2015, stating that Yasuhiru Sonoda announced his withdrawal from politics.

Fact #3 : Yasuhiro Sonoda Is Still Alive!

After leaving politics in June 2015, Yasuhiro Sonoda receded from the limelight. However, there is no evidence he is dead.

As a former Member of Parliament, his death would have been announced by the Japanese media. Yet, there is no mention of his passing. The viral messages certainly offered no evidence to back up their claims.

But more importantly, Kyodo News reached out to Yasuhiro Sonoda himself via telephone on 2 September 2023, and confirmed that he is still alive! Mr. Sonoda denied that he died from cancer.

Sonoda said, “I would like to once again apologize to those who experienced the earthquake and the people of Fukushima Prefecture,” regarding the spread of false rumors caused by his actions at the time.

園田氏は当時の自身の行動がきっかけでデマが広がったことについて「震災を経験された人や福島県の人にあらためておわびしたい」と語った。

Fact #4 : No Evidence Yasuhiro Sonoda Has Multiple Myeloma

There is also no evidence that Yasuhiro Sonoda was diagnosed with multiple myeloma – a type of white blood cell cancer.

There has been no media report of such a diagnosis. Neither did Yasuhiro Sonoda mention it publicly. In fact, the viral messages also offered no evidence to back up this claim.

Unless Yasuhiro Sonoda or his family publicly reveals that he is suffering from multiple myeloma, or any kind of cancer for the matter, anyone who says that is likely lying to you.

Fact #5 : Yasuhiro Sonoda Was ACD CEO

Yasuhiro Sonoda kept a low profile after leaving politics. However, Taiwanese fact checking website, MyGoPen, discovered that Yasuhiro Sonoda became CEO and the company’s first Representative Director of ACD. Co. Ltd. in March 2018.

ACD Co., Ltd. is a subsidiary of the Japanese airlines, ANA (All Nippon Airways), which focuses on the cross-border e-commerce platform called ANA Overseas Shopping. This was confirmed by a June 17, 2019 CoinON interview with Sonoda as ACD CEO.

It is unlikely for him to be appointed both CEO and the first Representative Director of ACD if he was already dying from multiple myeloma in 2018.

Fact #6 : Yasuhiro Sonoda Retired From ACD In 2020

It appears that the claim that Yasuhiro Sonoda went to Palau at the end of 2019 for palliative care is false. He was still CEO of ACD Co., Ltd until his retirement on 14 March 2020.

On 1 November 2020, ACD Co., Ltd. issued a press release announcing that Yasuhiro Sonoda retired as Representative Director and President on 14 March 2020, and was replaced by Hiromichi Furui.

The fact that ACD announced his retirement in November 2020 also suggests that Yasuhiro Sonoda was still alive at that time. The viral message claimed that he died in August 2020.

Fact #7 : Palau Never Announced Yasuhiro Sonoda’s Death

There is no evidence that the Bureau of Health for the Republic of Palau ever announced the 2020 death of Yasuhiro Sonoda from multiple myeloma.

A quick check of the Palau National Government website showed no such announcement about the death of Yasuhiro Sonoda.

The websites promoting this claim did not provide a link to the announcement. Suspicious, isn’t it?

Fact #8 : Ngerulmud Is The Capital Of Palau

I should point out that Melekeok is a state, and not the capital of Palau. The capital of Palau is Ngerulmud. Before 2006, the capital of Palau was Koror City.

Fact #9 : MIT Does Not Have A Hospital / Medical School

MIT – the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is one of the top private universities in the United States, with five schools in Science, Engineering, Architecture and Planning, Management, and Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.

MIT, however, does not have any schools of law or medicine. It also does not run any hospitals. Therefore, it is impossible for Yasuhiro Sonoda to seek medical treatment at the MIT Medical School, or the MIT Hospital as claimed.

Fact #10 : This Is Just Fake News About Fukushima

There is no doubt that Japan is facing a LOT of criticism over its release of the Fukushima waste water, even though IAEA and many experts have endorsed the plan.

However, this is just another example of FAKE NEWS being created around the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster. Here are other examples I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Did Toxic Fukushima Water Kill Fish In Indonesia?!

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Did the toxic Fukushima waste water just kill thousands of fish in Indonesia?!

Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Toxic Fukushima Water Killed Fish In Indonesia!

People are sharing a video on WhatsApp, which claims to show thousands of fish in Indonesia killed by the toxic Fukushima waste water. It’s paired with warnings like this:

ALERT: TOXIC SEA WATER HAS ARRIVED AT INDONESIA.

Fishermen are catching more dead fishes than live ones.

Jangan makan ikan dulu. Limbah racun dari jepang sdh masuk ke indonisia.

Don’t eat fish yet. Toxic waste from Japan has entered Indonesia.

日本“毒水” 相信已漂到印尼水界. 食海产可要小心。

Truth : Fukushima Water Did Not Kill Fish In Indonesia!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS surrounding the release of treated waste water from the Fukushima NPS, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : This Happened In Tuban, East Java

The viral video appears to be recorded on Tuesday, 12 September 2023, at the beach in front of Hotel Purnama, along the Tuban-Semarang road in Tuban, East Java, Indonesia.

Fact #2 : Fish Were Caught, Not Found Dead

The fish seen in the video were not found dead on the beach, or in the sea. Rather, they were caught by fishermen in the area.

In fact, you can see one of the fishing boats at about 0:26 in the video. The fisherman was merely dropping off his catch at the beach, to be collected by the white Bintang Novelita pickup truck seen at 0:13 in the video.

Fact #3 : Only One Type of Fish Was Caught

If you look carefully at the video, you will notice that it only shows one species of fish. Known locally as Jamal Roti or Manyung, it is a marine catfish from the Ariidae family.

This is actually the spawning season for this catfish, which not only causes them to gather, they also rise to the surface, making it easy for fishermen to catch them.

The fishermen caught about 2 tons of this catfish that day. A week earlier, they caught one ton of the same fish.

If there was any contamination killing fishes in the area, there would be an assortment of different fish species, not just one particular fish species.

Fact #4 : Jenu Police Refuted Viral Claim

On Wednesday, 13 September 2023, Jenu Police Chief Rialto confirmed that the large number of fish were not stranded on the beach, but caught by local fishermen.

Fact #5 : Tuban Fisheries Service Refuted Viral Claim

On Wednesday, 13 September 2023, the head of the Tuban Regency Livestock, Fisheries and Food Security Service, Eko Arif Yulianto confirmed that the Manyung catfish were spawning at that time. He appealed to the public to stop believing in unverified information.

Fact #6 : Tuban DKP2P Fisheries Refuted Viral Claim

On Thursday, 14 September 2023, the head of the Tuban DKP2P Fisheries Division, Lingo Indarto, publicly refuted the claim that the fish were killed from the Fukushima waste water.

The fishermen in the video, was identified as called Sutrisno from Karangsari. He said that the fish were all caught at sea, and were healthy and fresh.

Mr. Linggo called for netizens to stop believing in unverified rumours, as they can cause great losses to the fishermen. He is also coordinating with the East Java Province Maritime and Fisheries Service to fight this fake news.

Fact #7 : No Dead Fishes Were Reported En-Route

For the Fukushima waste water to reach Tuban, it would need to travel some 7,000 kilometres past southern Japan, the Philippines, the islands of Borneo and Sulawesi, Bali and Surabaya.

Yet no dead fish were reported elsewhere. How is that possible if the Fukushima waste water is so toxic? Did the evil Japanese design the waste water to only kill fish in Tuban?

Fact #8 : This Is Just Fake News About Fukushima

There is no doubt that Japan is facing a LOT of criticism over its release of the Fukushima waste water, even though IAEA and many experts have endorsed the plan.

However, this is just another example of FAKE NEWS being created around the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster. Here are other examples I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Japan MP Sonoda Still Alive After Drinking Fukushima Water!

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Former Japanese MP Yasuhiro Sonoda did not die from cancer, and is still alive, after drinking ALPS-filtered water from the Fukushima nuclear power station!

Claim : Japan MP Sonoda Died After Drinking Fukushima Water!

People are sharing videos and photos of Yasuhiro Sonoda drinking the treated Fukushima waste water in WhatsApp groups and social media, claiming that the former Japanese MP eventually died from cancer!

How is Yasuhiro Sonoda, a Japanese official who drank nuclear-contaminated water 12 years ago, now? Why did he disappear?

Finally solved the case, Yasuhiro Sonoda is dead, died of multiple myeloma in 2020.

[/su_expand]

Why did the Republic of Palau choose to announce such news at such a critical time when Japan discharged nuclear wastewater into the sea? The answer is actually quite simple: Protest.

Truth : Japan MP Sonoda Did Not Die After Drinking Fukushima Water!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created and/or shared by the Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛) and pro-CCP netizens, to scare people into boycotting Japan and Japanese food, and here are the reasons why…

I don’t want it to be seen as some kind of performance, but if that’s the best way to prove that the water is safe then I would gladly drink it right here, in front of you, any time.

Then, at an October 31, 2011 press conference, Yasuhiro Sonoda filled a glass with the ALPS-treated water before polishing it off in two gulps.

His last Twitter post was on the night before he lost his election, showing a video of his last campaign speech on December 13. The Mainichi Shimbun newspaper would later publish a news article (no longer available online) on June 14, 2015, stating that Yasuhiru Sonoda announced his withdrawal from politics.

After leaving politics in June 2015, Yasuhiro Sonoda receded from the limelight. However, there is no evidence he is dead. As a former Member of Parliament, his death would have been announced by the Japanese media. Yet, there is no mention of his passing. The viral messages certainly offered no evidence to back up their claims.

In fact, Yasuhiro Sonoda became CEO and the company’s first Representative Director of ACD. Co. Ltd. – a subsidiary of the Japanese airlines, ANA (All Nippon Airways), in March 2018. It is unlikely for him to be appointed both CEO and the first Representative Director of ACD if he was already dying from multiple myeloma in 2018.

Yasuhiro Sonoda remained CEO of ACD Co., Ltd until his retirement on 14 March 2020. On 1 November 2020, ACD Co., Ltd. issued a press release announcing that Yasuhiro Sonoda retired as Representative Director and President on 14 March 2020, and was replaced by Hiromichi Furui.

The fact that ACD announced his retirement in November 2020 also suggests that Yasuhiro Sonoda was still alive at that time. The viral message claimed that he died in August 2020.

But more importantly, Kyodo News reached out to Yasuhiro Sonoda himself via telephone on 2 September 2023, and confirmed that he was still alive! Mr. Sonoda denied that he died from cancer.

園田氏は当時の自身の行動がきっかけでデマが広がったことについて「震災を経験された人や福島県の人にあらためておわびしたい」と語った。

I should also point out that many claims in the viral messages are easily proven false:

A quick check of the Palau National Government website showed no such announcement about the death of Yasuhiro Sonoda.
Melekeok is a state, and not the capital of Palau. The capital of Palau is Ngerulmud. Before 2006, the capital of Palau was Koror City.
MIT – the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, does not have any schools of law or medicine. It also does not run any hospitals. Therefore, it is impossible for Yasuhiro Sonoda to seek medical treatment at the MIT Medical School, or the MIT Hospital as claimed.

There is no doubt that Japan is facing a LOT of criticism over its release of the Fukushima waste water, even though IAEA and many experts have endorsed the plan.

However, this is just another example of FAKE NEWS being created around the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster. Here are other examples I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Singapore Just Found NEW Radioactive Food From Japan?!

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Did Singapore just detect more radioactive food from Japan, after the release of wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power station?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Updated @ 2023-09-04 : Added Singapore Food Agency’s announcement
Originally posted @ 2023-09-03

Claim : Singapore Found NEW Radioactive Food From Japan!

This message is being actively promoted by the Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛) and pro-CCP netizens on WhatsApp and social media:

Singapore said it found radioactive contamination in four samples of vegetables imported from Japan and has extended the ban to food from two more Japanese prefectures.

Singapore’s Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority said radioactive contamination was found in Mitsuba (Japanese wild parsley), Nanohana (rapeseed plant), Mizuna (Japanese mustard) and perilla leaf samples.”

More Countries Ban Import of Japanese Food – With more countries detecting radioactive contamination in food imported from Japan, efforts to prevent it spreading through the global food chain have gained a new urgency (Wall Street Journal, 8/24/2023)

Truth : Singapore Did Not Find NEW Radioactive Food From Japan!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created or promoted by the Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛) and pro-CCP netizens, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : WSJ Podcast Is Genuine But Outdated

First, let me just confirm that the Wall Street Journal podcast and transcript is genuine, and was posted on 24 August 2023, at 6:42 PM (local time).

However, that was just an audio clip and transcript of an old WSJ article (now removed) that was originally posted on 25 March 2011 – more than 12 years ago!

Fact #2 : Podcast Was Released Same Day As Wastewater Release

It is unknown why the Wall Street Journal chose to publish this podcast and transcript from their old 2011 story, but it was released on the same day the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station started releasing its treated wastewater.

If there was any detection of radioactive food from Japan, it would have happened at least a day or two earlier, and would not have anything to do with the release of the treated wastewater from the Fukushima NPS.

Fact #3 : Singapore Food Agency Refuted WSJ Podcast!

On 3 September 2023, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) issued a public announcement (PDF download) to refute the Wall Street Journal podcast which claimed that it found new samples of radioactive vegetables fin Japan.

SFA stated that it had not found any new contaminated vegetables from Japan. Neither did the SGA ban any food products from any Japanese prefectures recently.

The SFA also stated that it monitors all food imports, and will take action if any food imports were found to be unsafe or unsuitable for consumption.

Clarification on circulating article/podcast regarding import of Japanese food products

In response to media queries regarding a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) article/podcast titled “More Countries Ban Import of Japanese Food”, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has clarified that it has not found samples of contaminated vegetables from Japan or banned food products from any Japanese prefectures recently. The WSJ podcast has referred to a media release by the former Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) in 2011. This has since been overtaken by events.

We wish to reiterate that SFA adopts a science-based approach towards assessing food safety risks. Food imported into Singapore is subjected to SFA’s surveillance and monitoring regime, which includes radiation surveillance and enforcement actions will be taken should any food imports be found to be unsafe or unsuitable for consumption.

Fact #4 : Singapore AVA Announcement Was From 2011

The announcement by the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) of Singapore was not posted in August 2023, but over 12 years ago – on 24 March 2011 (PDF download).

DETECTION OF RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINANTS IN FOUR SAMPLES OF VEGETABLES FROM JAPAN – AVA SUSPENDS IMPORT OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES FROM ADDITIONAL TWO PREFECTURES

Radioactive contaminants have been detected in four samples of vegetables from Japan. The contaminated samples were imported from the affected prefectures of Tochigi and Ibaraki, as well as Chiba and Ehime which are outside the affected areas. The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) will extend its suspension on the import of all fruits and vegetables to include Chiba and Ehime with immediate effect.

Issued by Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority On 24 Mar 2011

Fact #5 : Singapore Did Not Ban Japanese Food Imports

Despite the release of the Fukushima waste water, Singapore has not initiated any new import ban of food from Japan.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) stated that there will be “no immediate ban on seafood from Japan” following the release of the treated Fukushima wastewater.

Fact #6 : Singapore Has Not Detected Radioactive Food From Japan

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) stated that its surveillance of the safety of food from Japan has been satisfactory. It has not detected any radioactive contaminant in food imports from Japan since 2013.

In fact, Singapore lifted pre-export tests and Certificate of Origin requirements on approved food imports from the Fukushima prefecture on May 28, 2021.

Even so, the SFA continues to closely monitor food imports from Japan to ensure that they comply with Singapore’s food safety requirements.

Fact #7 : This Is Just Fake News About Fukushima

There is no doubt that Japan is facing a LOT of criticism over its release of the Fukushima waste water, even though IAEA and many experts have endorsed the plan.

However, this is just another example of FAKE NEWS being created around the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster. Here are other examples I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

Recommended Reading

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Support Tech ARP!

Please support us by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or donating to our fund. Thank you!

Singapore Refutes WSJ Radioactive Japan Food Podcast!

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The Singapore Food Agency just refuted a podcast by the Wall Street Journal that it found new radioactive food samples, and extended its ban on food imports from Japan!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Singapore Found New Radioactive Food From Japan!

This message (with a link to the WSJ podcast) went viral on WhatsApp and social media:

Singapore said it found radioactive contamination in four samples of vegetables imported from Japan and has extended the ban to food from two more Japanese prefectures.

Singapore Refutes WSJ Radioactive Japan Food Podcast!

The Wall Street Journal podcast and transcript is genuine, and was posted on 24 August 2023, at 6:42 PM (local time). However, that was just an audio clip and transcript of an old WSJ article (now removed) that was originally posted on 25 March 2011 – more than 12 years ago!

SFA stated that it had not found any new contaminated vegetables from Japan. Neither did the SGA ban any food products from any Japanese prefectures recently.

The SFA also stated that it monitors all food imports, and will take action if any food imports were found to be unsafe or unsuitable for consumption.

Clarification on circulating article/podcast regarding import of Japanese food products

The announcement by the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) of Singapore was not posted in August 2023, but over 12 years ago – on 24 March 2011 (PDF download).

DETECTION OF RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINANTS IN FOUR SAMPLES OF VEGETABLES FROM JAPAN – AVA SUSPENDS IMPORT OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES FROM ADDITIONAL TWO PREFECTURES

Issued by Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority On 24 Mar 2011

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) had earlier stated that there will be “no immediate ban on seafood from Japan” following the release of the treated Fukushima wastewater.

In fact, Singapore lifted pre-export tests and Certificate of Origin requirements on approved food imports from the Fukushima prefecture on May 28, 2021.

To be clear, Singapore has not initiated any new import ban of food from Japan.

There is no doubt that Japan is facing a LOT of criticism over its release of the Fukushima waste water, even though IAEA and many experts have endorsed the plan.

However, this is just another example of FAKE NEWS being created around the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster. Here are other examples I fact checked earlier:

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Is BlackRock The Largest Shareholder Of TEPCO?!

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Is the United States staying quiet about the release of Fukushima nuclear waste water because BlackRock is the largest shareholder of TEPCO?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : BlackRock Is The Largest TEPCO Shareholder!

This message is being actively promoted by the Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛) and pro-CCP netizens on WhatsApp and social media:

Who is behind the discharge of Fukushima NUCLEAR CONTAMINATED water?

In the war of aggression against China in the year 1900, it was not the Japanese government that first initiated the conflict with China, but a certain company. To put it bluntly, it was a Japanese company now renamed as ‘Tepco‘.

Many people may not know about Tepco, which is responsible for the discharge of nuclear sewage in Japan. Tepco is actually an “American company” like South Korea’s Samsung.

The largest shareholder of Tepco is BlackRock of Wall Street, and the second largest shareholder is also The pioneer of Wall Street, and Japan’s own Nomura Asset Management is only the third largest shareholder…

So can you understand why the Americans are silent in this incident? Because the affairs of Japan are the affairs of the United States. The decisions of the Japanese government and Japanese companies are the decisions of the United States.

The United States launches any form of “war” against China, whether it is a trade war, a technological war, a biological war or an environmental war… Japan They are all loyal lackeys and pawns.

The whole world is already at war.

US is using Japan in a proxy war by getting Japan to dump nuclear wastes near China and then ban all Jap seafood to make US absolutely safe from radiation.

Truth : BlackRock Is Not Even Top 10 TEPCO Shareholder!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created or promoted by the Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛) and pro-CCP netizens, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : No Japanese Company Attacked China In 1900

In the first paragraph, the viral message claimed that an unnamed Japanese company attacked China in a “war of aggression in the year 1900”. That appears to be utter nonsense.

The Qing dynasty and the Empire of Japan fought the First Sino-Japanese War from 1894 to 1895. It was only 42 years later that the Empire of Japan would attack the Republic of China.

However, there is no evidence that any Japanese company ever attacked China in the year 1900.

Fact #2 : TEPCO Was Never Renamed

The viral message also claimed that TEPCO was renamed from that unnamed Japanese company which attacked China in the year 1900.

TEPCO – the Tokyo Electric Power Company, was only established in 1951 when the Allied occupation forces privatised Japan’s electricity sector.

Since its establishment on May 1, 1951, the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) has never been renamed. So the claim in the viral message that TEPCO was renamed is false.

Fact #3 : Japanese Government Is Largest TEPCO Shareholder

The viral message also claimed that BlackRock is the largest shareholder of TEPCO. That’s not true.

The Japanese government is the largest and majority shareholder of TEPCO, with almost 55% ownership through the Nuclear Damage Compensation and Decommissioning Facilitation Corporation.

BlackRock isn’t even in the list of top 10 TEPCO shareholders (as of end of FY2021)! Take a look:

Top 10 TEPCO Shareholders	Equity Share (%)
Nuclear Damage Compensation and Decommissioning Facilitation Corporation	54.74
The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd.	6.28
Custody Bank of Japan, Ltd.	1.77
TEPCO Group Employees’ Stock Sharing Organization	1.50
Tokyo Metropolitan Government	1.20
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation	1.01
STATE STREET BANK WEST CLIENT – TREATY 505234	0.75
Nippon Life Insurance Company	0.74
JP MORGAN CHASE BANK 385781	0.56
JP JPMSE LUX RE BARCLAYS CAPITAL SEC LTD EQ CO	0.55
TOTAL	69.12

Fact #4 : Second Largest Shareholder Is Not Pioneer Of Wall Street

The viral message claimed that the second largest shareholder of TEPCO stock is “The pioneer of Wall Street” but does not mention which American company it was referring to.

In any case, the second largest shareholder is The Master Trust Bank of Japan – a Japanese trust bank. Certainly not an American company.

Fact #5 : Fukushima Is Releasing Waste Water Off Japanese Coast

The viral message also claimed that Japan is dumping its nuclear wastes near China. That’s false.

TEPCO is actually releasing the treated waste water from its Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station about 1 km off the coast of Japan.

Fukushima is also located on the east coast of Japan. Not is the waste water being released on the far side of Japan, it is being released AWAY from China.

Fact #6 : US Did Not Ban Japanese Seafood

The viral message also claimed that the United States banned Japanese seafood. That is also false.

In fact, the US FDA deactivated its Import Alert #99-33, which banned certain Japanese food products, in September 2021.

The US FDA has not reactivated that import ban. Neither has it ordered a new ban. That’s because it tested 51 samples for radionuclide contamination, and found no detectable levels of radioactive caesium.

Fact #7 : This Is Just Fake News About Fukushima

There is no doubt that Japan is facing a LOT of criticism over its release of the Fukushima waste water, even though IAEA and many experts have endorsed the plan.

However, this is just another example of FAKE NEWS being created around the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster. Here are other examples I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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EU + Japan Have Secret Agreement To Re-Export Seafood?!

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Is there a secret agreement between the EU and Japan to re-export contaminated seafood to other countries?! Here is what you need to know!

Claim : EU + Japan Have Secret Agreement To Re-Export Seafood!

People are sharing this message on WhatsApp and social media, claiming that there is a secret agreement between the EU and Japan to re-export contaminated seafood to other countries!

There is also a secret agreement between EU and the Japs for the EU to re-export the Jap contaminated sea products to other countries eg China, Asia, the Middle East, etc.

Above exposes that just before the Japanese discharges toxic nuclear wastes into the sea, the EU has decided to abolish the checking on imported (contaminated) Japanese seafood products! It’s clear that in the EU there is corruption and it’s also possible that they will secretly re-export the Japanese products to other countries! Thus China has also decided to suspend seafood imports from a number (12) of EU countries!

Thus, in order to ‘con’ the world, the EU simply re-labelled the Jap contaminated products as EU products and re-export them to other countries outside Europe!

It’s obvious that the Japs are paying EU regularly a considerable amount of bribes ( billions of Euros) for this service!

The greed of the whiteman & the evil Japs know no bounds. Do you want to gamble with the lives of your loved ones by consuming these radioactive products from Japan ❓Switch to local fresh fishes.

No Evidence EU + Japan Have Secret Agreement To Re-Export Seafood!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created by the Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛) to scare people into boycotting Japan and Japanese food, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : EU Lifted Final Fukushima Food Import Restrictions

This claim appears to be based on a 13 July 2023 decision by the European Union (EU) to lift its remaining restrictions on food imports from Japan after the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

The EU placed a strict maximum radioactivity level of 100 Bq/kg on food from Japan since June 2011, requiring pre-export testing of food products for radioactivity.

The EU only made this decision after finding that there was not even a single case of non-compliance over 12 years of monitoring food imports from Japan.

No non-compliances at the entry into the Union with those maximum radionuclide levels have been observed at import in the Union since June 2011, providing evidence that the control system put in place and the controls performed by the Japanese authorities are effective.

Let me repeat this – Japan has, not even once, exported any contaminated food items to the EU in the past 12 years.

Fact #2 : EU Progressively Reduced Fukushima Food Import Restrictions

It is also important to point out that the EU has reviewed its food import restrictions on Japan every two years, and has progressively lifted those restrictions .

In its last review on September 2021, the restrictions were only limited to wild mushrooms, some fish species, and wild edible plants from the prefectures of Fukushima, Miyagi,, Gunma, Yamanashi, Yamagata, Iwata, Shizuoka, Ibaraki, Nagano, and Niigata.

In other words, the EU had been progressively lifting food import restrictions on Japan, and only lifted its remaining restrictions on 13 July 2023. It was not like they suddenly lifted all food restrictions on that day.

Fact #3 : China Did Not Suspend EU Seafood Imports

On 24 August 2023, China announced an immediate blanket ban on all seafood imports from Japan. However, the import ban does not affect non-seafood food imports from Japan like vegetables, fruits, or canned food.

There is no evidence that China suspended seafood imports from 12 EU countries over fears of radioactive seafood being re-exported from Japan.

Fact #4 : There Is No Evidence Of Any Secret EU + Japan Re-Export Plan

There is also no evidence at all that the European Union (EU) has any secret plan to re-export contaminated seafood from Japan to other countries.

Of course, you may be thinking – how would I know since this is a secret agreement? Well, where is the evidence there is such a secret agreement?

Did the viral message include any evidence of such an agreement between the EU and Japan? No. So why should YOU believe some random claim circulating on WhatsApp / social media, with zero evidence to back it up?

Fact #5 : EU Seafood Re-Export Plan Not Logical

It is easy to claim that the EU is willing to help the Japanese re-export their contaminated seafood to other countries, but it’s really not logical.

For one thing – it is prohibitively expensive to export all those seafood to any European Union country, for re-export to China, Asia and the Middle East. It would also be quite impossible for EU countries to mask the Japan-native seafood species, and claim that they were caught in Europe!

Finally, such activities would be easily exposed by any importing country simply conducting radioactivity screening of imported food products.

Fact #5 : Japan Seafood Exports Are Only Worth €2.4 Billion

The claim that Japan is paying the EU billions of euros every year to re-export radioactive Japanese seafood is also not logical.

For one thing – the global export value of Japanese seafood in 2022 is only 387 billion yen, or about $2.6 billion / €2.4 billion.

Even if Japan exclusively exports ALL of its seafood to the EU to re-export to unsuspecting countries, it does not make financial sense to pay the EU a “bribe” of billions of euros to export only €2.4 billion worth of seafood!

Fact #7 : This Is Just Fake News About Fukushima

There is no doubt that Japan is facing a LOT of criticism over its release of the Fukushima waste water, even though IAEA and many experts have endorsed the plan.

However, this is just another example of FAKE NEWS being created around the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster. Here are other examples I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Fukushima Radioactive Water : What Makes It Different?

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Is the radioactive water being discharged from the Fukushima nuclear plant really different from waste water from other nuclear plants?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Fukushima Radioactive Water Is Different From Normal Nuclear Waste Water!

People are sharing a Greenpeace article, as evidence that the radioactive water from Fukushima is not the same as normal nuclear waste water, but far more toxic and dangerous. Here is an excerpt from that Greenpeace article:

How is Fukushima wastewater distinguished from other nuclear plants?

The contaminated water of Fukushima is distinguished from other nuclear power plants not only by its greater variety of radioactive materials but also the overall much higher radioactivity. If it is discharged to the Pacific Ocean, it will potentially pose a significant threat to the well-being of human health and marine life.

Normally, water that is used in cooling a nuclear plant in routine operation and then discharged to the environment has no direct contact with the nuclear reactor fuel cores. In contrast, the contaminated water generated by the Fukushima disaster has come into direct contact with contamination from the melted down cores of three reactors and as such is severely contaminated with many radionuclides.

In other words, it is not appropriate to compare nuclear wastewater of normally operating nuclear plants in general and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear wastewater.

According to the latest report by the Japanese government, there are 621 radioactive isotopes were found in the existing nuclear water tanks in Fukushima, among which concentration of a radiouchile called tritium reached about 860 TBq2 – an alarming level that far exceeds the acceptable norm. Based on its survey studies, Greenpeace now highlights the findings of the following detrimental materials.

Strontium-90

An enormous amount of strontium-90 remains in the Fukushima nuclear plant, a radioactive material which in general is found in trace amounts in water discharged to the environment from normal operating nuclear plants.

Carbon-14

The Fukushima wastewater contains carbon-14 with half life of 5,730 years.

Other radioactive materials — Cesium-137, Iodine-129, Cobalt-60

What is also present in the Fukushima wastewater include other radioactive materials: cesium-137, iodine-129, and cobalt-60, etc.

The Japanese government claimed the wastewater treated through the ALPS processing technology would be free of any radionuclides except tritium, which is the only radionuclide to be discharged into the Ocean. However, it is far from true.

Until March 2020, the contaminated wastewater generated since the Fukushima incident has reached over 1 million metric tonnes, among it 778,000 tonnes³ (about 72% of the total water in storage tanks) is yet to undergo secondary ALPS processing.

There is no clear schedule nor work progress review as to when secondary processing could proceed. Up till now (April 2021), 2,000 tonnes of contaminated water has been undergoing secondary ALPS processing, only 0.25% of the total amount in the coming few years.

Show less

What Makes Fukushima Radioactive Water Different?

The Greenpeace article makes for a compelling read, but here are the reasons why it is no longer accurate.

Fact #1 : Greenpeace Posted This In April 2021

First, it is best to note that this Greenpeace article was written in April 2021 in reaction to the Japanese government’s publication of its plan to eventually discharge the Fukushima radioactive waste water into the ocean.

The problem is that article was written almost 2.5 years before Japan actually initiated its plan to release the treated radioactive waste water from the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power plant.

Since then, the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) and the Japanese government have provided additional data to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for its evaluation of the proposed plan to discharge treated radioactive waste water into the ocean.

Fact #2 : IAEA Released A Comprehensive Report

Right after announcing its waste water release plan in April 2021, the Japanese government requested that the IAEA conduct a detailed review of that plan, to ensure that it meets the relevant international safety standards.

The IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi accepted and established a task force to review the Japanese government’s plan to release the treated radioactive waste water. The task force was made up of top specialists from within the IAEA, and advised by internationally-recognised external experts from across the globe.

After two years of work, the IAEA publicly released its comprehensive report (PDF download) on 4 July 2023. The IAEA concluded that the plan to release treated water at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the sea was “consistent with IAEA Safety Standards“.

Fact #3 : Fukushima Waste Water Is Filtered

It is true that the Fukushima waste water is different from normal nuclear waste water in that it has come into direct contact with radioactive material. Hence, it has many more radionuclides than normal nuclear waste water.

However, the heavily-contaminated waste water at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is not going to be released directly into the ocean.

Instead, it will be filtered and treated using the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS), to remove 62 radionuclides from the contaminated water.

Fact #4 : Fukushima Water Tanks Keep Leaking!

The Greenpeace article correctly points that there is a lot of radioactive water being stored at Fukushima Daiichi. In fact, there is currently about 1.3 million tonnes of radioactive water is stored in over 1,000 gigantic tanks!

Obviously, this is not a sustainable solution for TEPCO in the long-term, as they have to keep building new tanks, and old tanks will eventually leak. Or the water may be accidentally released.

In August 2013, TEPCO revealed that 300 metric tonnes of highly-radioactive water leaked from a storage tank.
In October 2013, TEPCO revealed that another tank was leaking, and some of the highly-radioactive water may have reached the ocean.
In February 2014, TEPCO revealed that a valve left open by mistake allowed about 100 tonnes of highly-radioactive water to overflow from a storage tank.
In October 2016, about 32 litres of highly-radioactive water leaked from a seam in a water tank.

Regardless of what we may think about the release of radioactive water into the ocean, it doesn’t appear to be practical to keep all that water in tanks that will eventually leak. Or even worse – get discharged all in one go, if there is another earthquake!

It is arguably much safer to treat and discharge the water, instead of risking these inevitable leaks of highly-radioactive water.

Fact #5 : Expected Exposure 1000X Lower Than Limit

For the purpose of the IAEA review, the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) of Japan selected a dose constraint of 0.05 mSv (millisieverts) per year for someone exposed to the ALPS-treated water.

That is 20X lower than the “average accumulated background radiation dose of an individual for 1 year, exclusive of radon, in the United States“. In other words – very conservative.

The IAEA task force and TEPCO also assessed the exposure risk from within a 10 km x 10 km area surrounding the discharge point. Again, very conservative – because no one really would be foolish enough to fish from that area!

In the end, the amount of extra radioactivity that one might get from swimming in ALPS-treated water and ingesting seafood exposed to ALPS-treated water is less than 0.01 microsieverts. That’s about 5,000X lower than the NRA limit!

The IAEA report, however, is even more conservative in its evaluation:

[I]n all cases the doses are very low and more than 1000 times lower than the dose constraint of 0.05 mSv per year.

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

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Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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