Ultimate status symbol for Chinese drinkers: gold in your baijiu
Health authorities weigh up a proposal to allow distillers to include tiny amounts of the precious metal in the liquor across the country
The mainland health authorities are considering allowing edible gold to be added to one of the nation's favourite tipples.
The National Health and Family Planning Commission said it was seeking public opinion on letting small amounts of the precious metal be added to baijiu, the strong Chinese spirit, the Beijing Times reported yesterday. Up to 0.02 grams would be permissible per every 1kg of liquor if the proposal is adopted.
Gold leaf is banned for use in spirits under safety regulations, although examples can be found. A liquor called "The Spirit of Gold Leaf" sold for 3,999 yuan (HK$5,000) a bottle at a museum in Nanjing last year, local media reported.
The commission did not specify why they were considering the change, and Ma Yong, a deputy president of the White Liquor Commission, said he was puzzled by the suggestion.
"I can not figure out what effects gold leaf would have in liquor," Ma said.