A ‘cancerous snack’ is starting to see raised eyebrows from Chinese government

Chewing betel nuts is common across Asia, and is famous for turning users’ mouths a bright red colour

But the links to oral cancer are shocking, so the Chinese government is trying to clamp down on advertising

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Chewing betel nuts is common across Asia. This woman from Thailand has stained teeth from long-term use. Photo: Steve Thomas

Published: 9:47am, 7 Oct 2021Updated: 12:18pm, 11 Oct 2021

Corrected [12:18pm, 11 Oct, 2021]

[12:18pm, 11 Oct, 2021]
A previous version of this article said betel nuts are typically grown in Henan province. In China, they are usually grown in Hainan province.

Famous for the remarkable red residue they leave in users’ mouths, betel nuts are a common vice across Asia thanks to the “buzz” they give to chewers.

Unfortunately, they also contain chemicals that cause oral cancer, and last month China’s National Radio and Television Administration banned advertising the nuts on the radio, television and online shows.

“We must promptly organise inspections and cleanups to ensure that the requirements are implemented. We should safeguard the interests of the people and create a good communication environment,” the announcement read.

A Taiwanese man spits juices from a mouthful of betel nuts, which are known to cause oral cancer. Photo: AP

“Chewing betel nuts” refers to the fruits from areca palms, called areca nuts, and come in various forms across Asia. They are called betel nuts because leaves from the betel plant are wrapped around the nuts for chewing. However, in China, the areca nuts are usually chewed without the leaves.

The nuts are commonly compared to caffeine, tobacco and alcohol for their relatively mild short-term effects but addictive nature. The high is described as a slight buzz and stimulant, similar to nicotine.