Chinese authorities have seized more than 30,000 tons of chicken feet that have been soaked in a bleaching compound to give them a whiter, cleaner appearance.

Chicken feet are a popular dish in Chinese restaurants and dim sum eateries worldwide. The feet are fried, soaked in marinade and later served steamed as a side dish with rice and other steamed dishes.

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The chicken products were seized from at least nine factories in Jiangsu, Anhul, Henan, and Guangdong, according to a report by state news agency Xinhua. Images released by concerned agencies showed large troughs filled with chicken feet soaking in what authorities say is hydrogen peroxide solution.

Health authorities say hydrogen peroxide, normally used for sterilization and bleaching purposes, could cause vomiting and abdominal problems if consumed.

Thirty eight people have been arrested on charges of selling contaminated items. Police say 11 suspects are still being sought.

The tainted items were first discovered in Yongjia County in Zhejiang, eastern China. Follow-up investigation led authorities to the other counties where factories were using the bleaching compound.

The factories were found to be the source of well-known brands of chicken feet being sold in stores and supplied to hundreds of restaurants all over China.

In July 2013, chicken feet from Chinese suppliers were also in the news when badly expired products were found in a frozen meat warehouse.

Some of the chicken found stored there, and still being delivered to distribution outlets, were more than 46 years old. 

TagsDim sum, Chinese Food