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1. What Causes the Green, Black Spots on Wooden Chopsticks?
The green, black spots seen on wooden chopsticks are caused by food residue, dirt, or mold. Extended use of wooden chopsticks can result in scratches or grooves, making certain areas difficult to clean and prone to dirt accumulation. Additionally, these green, black spots can easily develop when chopsticks are used without immediate washing or when they are washed but not thoroughly dried.
2. Is it Advisable to Use Wooden Chopsticks with Black Spots?
Currently, there is considerable information circulating suggesting that using moldy wooden chopsticks may lead to cancer. However, according to Associate Professor Pham Cam Phuong, Director of the Nuclear Medicine Oncology Center at Bach Mai Hospital, there is no research indicating that moldy chopsticks contain aflatoxin toxins.
Aflatoxin toxins are a type of naturally occurring fungal toxin produced by certain Aspergillus species, causing acute poisoning and being a leading cause of liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. Although exposure to high temperatures such as cooking destroys these fungal cells, the toxins are not entirely eliminated. Aflatoxin toxins are most abundant in grains such as rice, beans, peanuts, corn, or moldy seeds.
