China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) published a
supplementary test method for determining ethyl maltol in edible vegetable oils
to deter illegal use. Ethyl maltol, a synthetic flavoring banned in edible oils
under national food additive standards, is cited by SAMR as a food-safety risk;
regulators say it has been added to low-quality or refurbished oils to mask
oxidation and to imitate the aroma of premium sesame and peanut oils.