Possible carcinogen found in nearly half of 30 dried meat snack samples tested by Hong Kong consumer watchdog
- Banned veterinary drug detected in pork crisps from popular Thai brand, Consumer Council reveals
- Council finds potentially carcinogenic contaminant in 13 samples of dried beef and pork snacks
Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog has found contaminants in nearly half of 30 dried meat snack samples, with a banned veterinary drug detected in pork crisps from a popular Thai brand.
The Consumer Council on Wednesday said it had found potentially carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in 13 of the tested samples.
Popular Thai brand Lim Jing Hieng’s crispy sliced pork contained 0.95 micrograms per kg of furazolidone metabolite, an antimicrobial agent commonly used in veterinary medicine, but banned for animals bred for food in regions such as mainland China, the European Union and the United States.
The city’s food regulations on harmful substances said furazolidone should not be detected in the muscle, liver and kidneys of cattle, pigs and poultry.
“There is no internationally recognised acceptable daily intake level. For the sake of caution, the council recommends consumers avoid consuming foods detected with furazolidone metabolites,” Victor Lui Wing-cheong, the council’s research and testing committee vice-chairman, said.
He added the results had been passed on to the Centre for Food Safety for further action.
The centre, however, said it had not detected any problems with the samples.
Council chief executive Gilly Wong Fung-hang said there was no contradiction in both parties’ findings.
