BEIJING - Unsafe artificial green peas were found in Hunan province earlier this month, making the list of toxic food products in the country even longer, according to the local food safety watchdog.

The problematic green peas appeared in the provincial capital of Changsha and Hengyang city, a local newspaper reported over the weekend.

"The peas were an unnatural color and had a penetrating odor. After 20 minutes of cooking, the peas did not turn soft but the water turned green," the report said.