A 28-year-old woman and her husband, both diagnosed with liver cancer after just five years of marriage, have sparked urgent health warnings after doctors traced the cause to a common but dangerous kitchen mistake: using mouldy ingredients in homemade soup.
The couple, residents of Shanghai, began experiencing alarming symptoms—persistent fatigue, loss of appetite, and a general sense of malaise—before the wife sought medical attention. Her husband soon developed additional symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and nausea. Their deteriorating complexions prompted a hospital visit, where tests revealed alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels soaring to 545 µg/L—a marker strongly indicative of liver cancer. Both were subsequently diagnosed with the disease.
The Hidden Danger in a Beloved Comfort Food
Doctors investigating the case identified the culprit: a mouldy ingredient regularly added to their slow-cooked pork rib soup. According to medical experts, when certain foods become contaminated with mould, they can produce aflatoxin, a potent carcinogen classified by the World Health Organization as a Group 1 carcinogen. The physician involved in the case stated bluntly that simmering ribs with this spoiled ingredient was “equivalent to consuming poison.”
Aflatoxin is produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus moulds, commonly found on improperly stored grains, nuts, and dried foods. The toxin is known to directly damage liver cells, and chronic exposure significantly increases the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form of liver cancer.
Recognising Early Warning Signs
Liver damage often progresses silently, but the body does send signals. According to medical sources, symptoms of liver impairment include:
- Persistent fatigue and lack of energy
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia or poor sleep quality
- Deep dark circles under the eyes
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Nausea and diarrhoea
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Unexplained weight loss
The couple’s AFP reading of 545 µg/L far exceeds the normal range of less than 10 µg/L, underscoring the severity of their condition.
Broader Implications for Home Cooking
This case serves as a stark reminder that even traditional, home-cooked meals can harbour hidden dangers. Aflatoxin contamination is particularly insidious because it is heat-stable—cooking, boiling, or frying does not destroy it. Common foods at risk include peanuts, corn, rice, dried chilli peppers, and certain spices stored in warm, humid conditions.
Health authorities recommend the following preventive measures:
- Inspect all dried goods and grains for visible mould, discolouration, or musty odours before use
- Store food in airtight containers in cool, dry environments
- Discard any item that shows even a small spot of mould, as the toxin can spread invisibly
- Avoid purchasing bulk items from open bins where moisture may accumulate
A Note of Hope: Dietary Support in Recovery
While prevention is paramount, emerging cases also highlight the role of nutrition in supporting liver health. Gastroenterologist Dr. Chien Cheng-Hung has documented instances where patients with advanced liver cancer experienced remarkable recoveries. One 51-year-old man with eight liver tumours, the largest measuring 13 cm, saw all lesions disappear after undergoing standard treatment combined with a diet rich in sweet potato leaves. Another elderly patient reportedly managed her condition by incorporating this leafy green into her daily meals.
Sweet potato leaves are packed with antioxidants, dietary fibre, and vitamins A, C, and E, which may support liver function and reduce oxidative stress. However, experts caution that such dietary changes should complement, not replace, medical treatment.
What This Means for Hong Kong Home Cooks
This case resonates deeply in Hong Kong, where slow-cooked soups and broths are a cornerstone of family meals. The city’s humid climate also increases the risk of mould growth in stored ingredients. Regular inspection of pantry items and proper storage practices are simple yet critical steps to safeguard health.
For those concerned about liver health, routine check-ups including AFP blood tests and abdominal ultrasounds can aid early detection. The World Health Organization estimates that aflatoxin contributes to up to 28% of liver cancer cases globally, particularly in regions with warm, humid climates.
As this young couple’s story illustrates, a seemingly harmless cooking habit can have devastating consequences. Awareness, vigilance, and proper food handling are the first lines of defence.