Dried meat snack may cause cancer: consumer watchdog
The latest research by the Consumer Council found that nearly all dried meat snacks on Hong Kong’s shelves are high in sugar and sodium, and over 40 percent of them were found with possibly carcinogenic contaminants.
According to a test conducted between last October to November on the food safety and nutrient content of 30 samples of meat jerky, meat floss, and meat crisps, 13 samples were detected with the possibly carcinogenic contaminant Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), with the highest level found in one beef jerky sample, the brand of which was "Bee Cheng Hiang," with a total of four PAHs exceeding the European Union limit by over 50 percent, said the Council in a report on Wednesday.
The test further showed that one pork crisps sample, the brand of "Lim Jing Heing," contained the metabolite of the non-permitted veterinary drug furazolidone. The Council warned consumers to avoid intaking.
In addition, all samples reached "high sugar" levels (more than 15g sugars per 100g solid food sample), with sugar content ranging from 18.3g to 47.2g per 100g.
Among that, one pork crisps sample with the highest amount was found with the content reaching the same level of 9.4g of sugar.
"The sugar intake by eating the whole packet of this kind of pork crisps is equivalent to 31.6g - around 6.3 cubes - of sugar," the Council said.
All samples except one meat floss sample were also tested high in sodium, with the highest content reaching 95 percent of the level of the upper intake limit recommended by the World Health Organization.
"Meat products including Jerky, meat floss, and meat crisps are carcinogens and generally high in sugar and sodium," the Council said, warning consumers to avoid overconsumption of processed meats to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.