Introducing Baidu's smart chopsticks

The Chinese internet giant has made strides in food safety innovation

Step aside Google Glass, China's online search company Baidu has developed chopsticks that can detect contaminated food. The prototype can sense when dangerous "gutter oil" (oil extracted by recycling sewer water) is present in various food stuffs, amongst other less than savoury ingredients.

The Kuaisou chopsticks search the web for sell-by dates and other potential hazards when them come into contact with food. They also contain a sodium analyser that enables users to calculate their daily salt intake and a pH monitor.

For gastronomes looking for food for thought, the sticks can search the web for complementary dishes and flavours and even monitor the heat in certain dishes.

China has endured a host of food scandals over the years, from concrete walnuts and glow-in-the-dark pork, to toxic baby milk and gutter oil. Perhaps a portable pH kit is long overdue.