Could tiny fish be the answer to China’s food safety woes? This Hong Kong start-up thinks so

Hong Kong-based start-up Vitargent has landed a major investment from venture capital firm WI Harper Group to develop and market its innovative food testing technology.

A product of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park incubator programme, Vitargent’s technology uses fish embryos to test for toxic substances in everything from cosmetics and skin care products to cooking oil and milk. The firm claims that its tests can screen for more than 1,000 toxins at one time, compared to five to 10 toxins for existing technologies.

“[Our] technologies are much more comprehensive, effective and rigorous compared with the traditional testing methods,” said founder and executive director Eric Chen.

Vitargent’s testing methods use specially designed fish embryos, some of which turn fluorescent in the presence of certain toxins while others develop abnormalities and tumours. The fish used have a DNA structure very similar to our own, Chen explained, meaning that they are susceptible to the same toxins and chemicals.

The company sees a huge opportunity in China, where multiple food scandals have rocked consumer confidence, particularly with regard to milk powder and cooking oil.

“Businesses are so creative they will add anything you can imagine to our food and drink,” said Chen, adding that regulation and technology needs to catch up.