The Hong Kong Consumer Council has released a comprehensive report in the latest issue of Choice Magazine, analyzing the safety and nutritional profiles of everyday pantry staples. The study, which tested 7 canned dace fish products and 30 bottled water samples, confirms that all items meet local safety standards. However, the findings highlight significant nutritional variances in canned fish, specifically regarding sodium content, while identifying trace contaminants in certain bottled water brands.
Canned Dace: A Sodium Warning and Calcium Boost
Canned dace fish is a beloved convenience food in Hong Kong, often served with rice. The Council tested seven popular samples, with prices ranging from HK$15.9 to HK$23.9, evaluating them for metal contaminants, nutrients, and safety.
The good news for consumers is that all samples passed safety tests for metal contaminants, such as arsenic and mercury, with no results exceeding legal limits. The Eagle Coin Gold Medal Dace ($23.9) emerged as the top performer, achieving a perfect 5-star overall rating due to its excellent safety profile and quality. Conversely, the “Pearl River Bridge” sample contained trace amounts of dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), though the council noted that only excessive consumption would pose health risks.
From a nutritional standpoint, the report uncovered a sharp discrepancy in sodium levels. Because dace is typically fried and salted before canning, it is inherently high in sodium. The test revealed that sodium content among different brands could vary by nearly 100%. Four specific brands—Tianlong, Eagle Coin, Pearl River Bridge, and Great Wall—contained over 1,000mg of sodium per 100g.
Crucially, the Council clarified a common misconception regarding nutrition labels. The labeled values usually account for the entire contents, including the oil and black beans. Consuming the fish alone results in lower sodium intake, whereas finishing an entire can—including the flavourful sauce—could lead to a sodium intake of 880mg, representing over 40% of the World Health Organization’s recommended daily adult limit.
However, the processing method offers a nutritional benefit: high-pressure canning softens fish bones, making them edible. This makes canned dace a potent source of calcium. The Gam Zai Pai brand stood out, containing 910mg of calcium per 100g. A child aged seven needs only about 0.6 of a can to meet their daily recommended calcium intake.
Bottled Water: Trace Contaminants Found
In a simultaneous review of 30 bottled water samples, the Council found that while all products were safe for consumption, some contained trace impurities. Notably, two samples, including Nongfu Spring, detected bromate levels reaching the EU maximum limit of 3 micrograms per liter. While within safety guidelines, this finding prompted discussion regarding industry standards.
Additionally, traces of plasticizers were found in 13 samples, and a small amount of Bisphenol S (BPS) was detected in Mego Pure Water. All detected levels remained well below action levels set by the Centre for Food Safety. Reassuringly, no microplastics were found in any of the bottled water samples tested.
Conclusion
The Consumer Council’s findings reinforce that canned dace and bottled water available in Hong Kong are safe for consumption. Consumers are advised to monitor portion sizes when eating canned fish to manage sodium intake effectively. Reading nutrition labels carefully—understanding the difference between fish weight and total net weight—remains the best strategy for maintaining a healthy diet.