The Consumer Council has released a comprehensive report regarding the safety of dried goji berries, a staple in traditional Chinese medicine and local cuisine. Between August and September 2022, the council collected 27 samples from various retailers, including supermarkets and pharmacies. The findings revealed that every single sample contained trace amounts of heavy metals, while nearly 70 percent tested positive for pesticide residues. While most levels complied with local safety regulations, two samples showed lead levels teetering on the legal limit, raising concerns about long-term consumption risks.
Widespread Heavy Metal Contamination
The study examined 23 pre-packaged and four non-pre-packaged samples, with prices ranging significantly from HK$5 to HK$146 per package. Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of heavy metals in all 27 products. Specifically, 21 samples contained lead, with quantities ranging from 0.018 to 0.29 milligrams per kilogram.
Two products, “Shangpin Instant Ningxia Goji” and “Yupinhuang Goji,” recorded lead levels of 0.284 mg/kg and 0.29 mg/kg, respectively. These figures are perilously close to the legal upper limit established by the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations. Consequently, these cases have been referred to the Centre for Food Safety for further action.
Chronic exposure to lead poses significant health risks, particularly regarding neurological development in children and blood pressure regulation in adults. Additionally, all samples contained cadmium, while two samples detected arsenic and three contained chromium. It is noted that apart from the two borderline lead cases, all other heavy metal findings adhered to current Hong Kong safety standards.
Pesticide Residues and “Cocktail Effects”
Beyond heavy metals, the testing uncovered that 19 samples contained pesticide residues, identifying 14 different types in total. While most residue levels were within legal limits, two samples—”Fresh Goji” and “Shaoxiangyuan Instant Goji”—exceeded the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) standards for specific pesticides, though they remained compliant with Hong Kong regulations.
The report highlights a potential health concern regarding the “cocktail effect.” One sample, “Hart Goji,” was found to contain seven different types of pesticides. Three other samples contained five types each. The council warned that the mixed use of pesticides could produce a “synergistic effect,” potentially amplifying negative health impacts even if individual substance levels are considered safe.
Despite these findings, the actual health risk from immediate consumption appears low. Based on safety benchmarks, a 60-kilogram adult would need to consume approximately 29 kilograms of the “Fresh Goji” sample daily to exceed the acceptable daily intake for the detected pesticides.
Positive Findings and Top Recommendations
Amidst the contamination concerns, the report offered some reassurance regarding other safety aspects. All 27 samples were free from prohibited food colorings and mycotoxins, such as aflatoxins and ochratoxin, which are known carcinogens.
For consumers seeking high-quality options, the Consumer Council identified five products that achieved a 4.5-star overall rating. These top-tier options included:
- Bit Yuan Tang Ningxia Goji (Organic)
- Sunfood Super Foods
- Dot Dot Green Organic Premium Goji
- Livi Green Organic Instant Goji
- Slowood Organic Goji
The Consumer Council advises the public not to panic but to remain vigilant. Consumers are encouraged to rinse dried goji berries thoroughly before consumption to reduce surface contaminants. While the occasional intake of trace metals and pesticides is largely unavoidable in modern diets, moderation remains key. This report serves as a crucial reminder for suppliers to enforce stricter quality controls and for authorities to continually review safety standards to ensure public health is not compromised.