经济日报：别被玫瑰盐迷花眼

Core Insights - The rise of pink Himalayan salt as a trendy seasoning has been driven by its perceived health benefits and aesthetic appeal, leading to prices that are several times higher than regular salt [1][2] - Recent reports of heavy metal contamination in pink salt have raised significant health concerns, highlighting the risks associated with popular food products [1][3] Group 1: Marketing and Consumer Perception - The marketing of pink salt effectively targets consumer psychology, leveraging its mineral content and unique color to create a premium image [2] - The association with Himalayan origins and claims of being "natural" resonate with consumers' anxieties about industrial food products, leading them to equate higher prices with better nutrition [2] Group 2: Health Risks - Pink salt does not meet national food safety standards, particularly in terms of color and purity, and contains higher levels of harmful heavy metals compared to refined salt [3] - Long-term consumption of pink salt poses serious health risks, including potential damage to the nervous system and kidneys, as well as an increased cancer risk [3] Group 3: Regulatory Issues - The recent food safety scandal has exposed regulatory gaps, particularly in cross-border e-commerce, where differences in food standards are exploited by sellers [4] - Some sellers import pink salt under the guise of "industrial salt" to bypass food safety regulations, leading to its unauthorized sale as a food product [4] Group 4: Recommendations for Safety - Regulatory bodies need to enhance food safety regulations for cross-border e-commerce, clarifying the distinction between industrial and edible salt [5] - E-commerce platforms should enforce stricter product labeling and eliminate misleading marketing claims, ensuring consumer protection [5] - Consumer education is crucial, emphasizing the importance of standard compliance and the core function of salt as a seasoning rather than a health product [5]