Food tester may help serve up peace of mind

Ever wish you could check your food for health hazards before you cook it, or even leave the supermarket?

Well, scientists at Tianjin University of Science and Technology say they have developed a handheld tester that can detect pathogenic bacteria and excessive drug or pesticide residue.

The kit, which contains more than 60 strips of indicator paper - one for almost every contaminant listed by the State - works in a matter of minutes, said Wang Shuo, director of the college's biotech laboratory.