Not so healthy: several rice noodle brands found to contain more sodium than labelled, with 1 product a whopping 41 times higher, tests by Hong Kong watchdog find
- Consumer Council tests find seven out of 23 samples, including vermicelli and mixian noodles, exceed sodium content declared on nutrition labels
- Many noodle products come with additional flavourings, such as seasoning and sauce sachets, and could increase consumer’s fat and sugar intake if used as a soup base
Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog has warned that the sodium content of several brands of rice noodles, seen by many as a healthier staple food, is higher than labelled, with one product 41 times more than declared.
Tests by the Consumer Council found that seven out of 23 samples, including vermicelli and mixian noodles, exceeded the sodium content declared on their nutrition labels.
That could cause people to unknowingly consume more sodium when eating rice noodles, a popular food staple, Lui Wing-cheong, vice-chairman of the council’s research and testing committee, warned on Tuesday.
A sample of Tapioca Rice Sticks from Vietnam-based Bich Chi Food Company had a sodium content 41 times more than what was declared. While the label indicated the product contained 10 milligrams of sodium per 100 grams, tests showed the actual amount was 400mg.
Bich Chi Vina Noodle, also from the company, had a sodium content about 30 times higher than stated. The manufacturer had labelled the product as having 10mg of sodium per 100 grams but it was found to have 302mg instead.
The council has passed the relevant data to the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) for follow-up action.
The World Health Organization recommends a daily sodium intake of less than 2,000mg for adults.
