Hong Kong snack lovers have been issued a stark warning after the Consumer Council released a comprehensive safety report on dried meat products. In a study conducted between October and November 2022, the watchdog tested 30 popular samples of pork jerky, beef jerky, pork floss, and pork paper. The results were concerning: nearly half of the samples contained contaminants or carcinogens, with one beef jerky product exceeding European Union safety limits for carcinogens by 50 percent.
Carcinogens Found in Grilled Snacks
The safety assessment focused on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), contaminants that can form during the grilling or smoking process. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies Benzo[a]pyrene—a specific PAH—as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it is carcinogenic to humans.
Thirteen samples tested positive for PAHs. Among them, Bee Cheng Hiang Boxed Beef Jerky was flagged as the most problematic. Its PAH4 content exceeded the EU maximum limit by 50 percent, while its Benzo[a]pyrene levels hovered dangerously close to the regulatory ceiling. Other products found to contain PAHs included popular brands like Black Bridge Brand, 759 Store, and Field Trip, raising questions about the safety of traditional grilling methods used in production.
Banned Veterinary Drugs Discovered
Perhaps more alarming than processing contaminants was the discovery of illegal veterinary drug residues. One sample of Lin Zhen Xiang Crispy Pork Paper was found to contain AOZ, a metabolite of Furazolidone. This substance is banned in food-producing animals due to evidence suggesting it possesses genotoxic and carcinogenic properties. The council noted that this finding violates Hong Kong’s Harmful Substances in Food Regulations.
Preservatives and Labeling Issues
The investigation also shed light on preservative usage and labeling accuracy. While most preservative levels were within legal safety limits, one sample—Yiu Fung Store Beef Slices—tested positive for sulfur dioxide, a known allergen. Crucially, the product failed to declare this allergen on its label, a violation of local labeling laws that poses a significant risk to allergic consumers. Additionally, trace amounts of sorbic and benzoic acid were found in eight samples, likely introduced through seasonings rather than the meat itself.
Price Does Not Dictate Quality
For cost-conscious consumers, the report offered a surprising insight: price is not an indicator of safety or quality. The study found no correlation between the price per 100 grams—ranging from HK$13.7 to HK$96.8—and the product’s overall rating. Both the cheapest and most expensive samples achieved comparable safety and quality scores, proving that premium pricing does not guarantee a premium product.
Consumer Advice and Next Steps
The Consumer Council has urged manufacturers to strictly adhere to safety standards and improve labeling transparency. In the meantime, consumers are advised to limit their intake of smoked and cured meats to reduce exposure to carcinogens.
For those seeking safer options, the following ten products achieved a commendable 4.5-star overall rating in the report:
- Jin An Ji Honey Pork Jerky
- Field Trip Original All Natural Beef Jerky
- Shang Tian Black Pepper Beef Jerky
- Mom’s Kitchen Baby Special Pork Floss (Original)
- Bee Cheng Hiang Crispy Pork Floss
- Wei Yi Pork Floss
- Guang Liang Xing Pork Floss
- Hsin Tung Yang Exquisite Pork Floss
- Zuo Shan Brand Pork Paper
- Sokun Kung Thai Crispy Pork Jerky