Is the folk saying 'Qingming sugarcane is poisonous to snakes' true as Qingming Festival approaches? What are the hazards of moldy sugarcane? How to scientifically identify and prevent? The Beijing Municipal Administration for Market Regulation recently released science popularization tips to answer consumers' questions and clarify their doubts. The Beijing Municipal Administration for Market Regulation pointed out that the statement "Qingming sugarcane is poisonous to snakes" does not refer to normal sugarcane, but to the "next year sugarcane" that is prone to mold before and after Qingming. Before and after the Qingming Festival, sugarcane on the market is mostly harvested in the autumn and winter seasons of the previous year. With warmer weather and increased rainfall, improper storage can easily breed mold and cause spoilage, producing a neurotoxin called "3-nitropropionic acid", which is also the deadly culprit of moldy sugarcane. It is understood that after being absorbed by the human body, this neurotoxin mainly damages the central nervous system, and its harm should not be underestimated. Mild patients may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, as well as neurological symptoms such as dizziness, headache, and blurred vision; Severely ill patients may experience seizures, coma, leading to cerebral edema, extrapyramidal injuries, and in severe cases, life-threatening situations. However, consumers do not need to panic excessively. With the popularization of cold chain logistics and sealed preservation technology, the mold growth rate of sugarcane has been significantly reduced. As long as sugarcane is purchased through legitimate channels and stored correctly, it can be safely consumed. How can consumers quickly identify moldy sugarcane? The Beijing Municipal Administration for Market Regulation provides three practical tips: on the surface, moldy sugarcane loses its luster, some may have mold spots, the texture becomes soft when pressed, the color becomes darker after cutting, the sugarcane core turns red or black, and even has furry filaments, which is significantly different from the smooth and compact surface and white flesh of normal sugarcane; In terms of odor, moldy sugarcane emits a sour or moldy smell, which is different from the sweet aroma of normal sugarcane; In terms of taste, moldy sugarcane has a sour or bitter taste, a soft texture, and lacks the crisp and refreshing sensation of normal sugarcane. Consumers should store sugarcane in a cool, dry, and well ventilated place, avoiding direct sunlight and humid environments. They should try to buy and eat it immediately and avoid long-term storage; Before consumption, it is necessary to carefully inspect the sugarcane. If mold is found on the sugarcane, it should be discarded as a whole. Do not have a lucky mentality when consuming the moldy parts, as toxins can penetrate into various parts of the sugarcane and cannot be detected by the naked eye; If you accidentally consume moldy sugarcane and experience discomfort, seek medical attention immediately, proactively inform the doctor, and do not delay treatment time. (New Society)