In my local Chinese takeaway they have some fancy shaped bottles on display. In these bottles there are sliced chili peppers, garlic cloves, olives, slices of carrot, cucumber etc. They look really good, the different colors in different layers and I would like to have a go at making these myself, so I asked the guy what he had used as a preservative, but he had bought the bottles, had no idea what they had used, only that it was poisonous. There is a warning label on the back of the bottles saying :- "CAUTION, NOT FOR CONSUMPTION". I figured it wouldn't be white vinegar anyway as this would surely rot down eventually and cloud the contents.
So, has anyone any ideas as to what this clear liquid could be?

It could be formaldehyde. I'm not sure how clear it is as a liquid but it would definitely do the trick.

From OSHA.GOV

quote:

Formaldehyde destroys bacteria, fungi, molds, and yeast. Its commercial importance as a fungicide is probably its greatest use as a disinfectant [Ex. 70-2]. Because of its bactericidal properties, formaldehyde is used in numerous cosmetic preparations.

From speclab.com

quote:

Apparent Color: Clear, water-white, very slightly acid, gas or liquid. ; Formaldehyde solution is a clear, colorless or nearly colorless liquid

It quite possible could be vinegar but more likely oil. Decorative Vegetable Bottles are sold here at department stores and gourmet shops and some are quite expensive. They are filled with fruits, vegetables, and herbs in either vinegar or oil and then sealed with an airtight wax seal. And while they look appealing, they are for display only. Here is a picture of jars that used oil as a filler.

And if you are interested in making your own, here are the ingredients you will need:

Bottle with cork
Vegetables or fruit
Knife
Funnel
Measuring cup with spout
Vinegar or oil
Raffia for decoration around neck of bottle

And Directions:
Clean a new or used bottle to fill with fruits or vegetables. If the bottle doesn't come with a cork, purchase one from a craft shop.

Chop up vegetables or fruit, and arrange in the bottle as desired.

To fill a bottle with a stack of fruit slices, fold each slice and drop it in the bottle. Poke each piece in place with a knife to make it lie flat.

When the vegetables are in place, fill the bottle with vinegar or oil and plug it with a cork.

Add a decorative touch with a raffia bow tied around the neck of the bottle.

My Brother-in-law makes those sorts of decorative bottles using olive oil.

I associate formaldehyde with preservation of animal tissues. As RoverRoad's link points out, the liquid is technically formalin which is formaldehyde gas dissolved in water.

I used to have one of these until one of the kids dropped it. The liquid was oil based but clear. Appeared to be baby oil or something like that.

Thanks so much you guys! I'll let you know how I get on!!

There is a new department open in Housing Units at Hollinwood. It's called vinegar craft or something like that. They actually make these bottles there for you while you wait. You could go and see what they put in them. There was no-one on the department when I was there so I couldn't tell what it was but it smelt like some sort of vinegar. They sell all the bottles and fruits etc too! It's in the building to the left as you enter the car park.