Hong Kong’s Consumer Council has issued a stark warning following a comprehensive test of 30 pre-packaged ham and turkey slice products. The findings, released in the latest issue of Choice magazine (issue 542), reveal that more than nine in ten samples are classified as high-sodium foods. The study also detected preservatives in every product, trace plasticizers in two, and the ractopamine residue in two others — potentially heightening health concerns for regular consumers who reach for these convenient sandwich fillings.
The Sodium Trap
The test results show that 28 of the 30 samples exceed the threshold for high-sodium foods, meaning they contain more than 600 mg of sodium per 100 grams. The worst offender among ham products was the 759 Store Ham Sliced, packing 1,320 mg of sodium per 100 g. A single 40-gram slice supplies 528 mg — already 26% of the World Health Organization’s recommended daily limit of 2,000 mg.
For turkey slices, the highest-sodium option was Buddig Oven Roasted Turkey at 1,100 mg per 100 g, with one packet (56 g) providing 616 mg of sodium — 31% of the daily cap. On the lower end, Tesco British Honey Roast Ham recorded 500 mg per 100 g, and True Story Organic Smoked Turkey Breast had 648 mg per 100 g. The Council warns that consistently consuming high-sodium processed meats raises the risk of developing hypertension.
Preservatives Present in All Samples
Every product tested contained nitrate or nitrite preservatives, which help maintain colour and inhibit bacterial growth. However, Ferrarini Smoked Turkey Breast stood out as the only sample free of detectable nitrates, while seven products showed no trace of nitrites:
- M&S FOOD British Lean Ham Low Fat
- La Selva Premium Cooked Ham
- Cosi’ Bio Organic Cooked Ham
- Rovagnati Roasted Cooked Ham
- Diestel Naturally Smoked Turkey Breast
- True Story Organic Smoked Turkey Breast
- Oscar Mayer Smoked Turkey Breast
The detected levels were all within Hong Kong’s legal safety limits, and the Council clarified that normal consumption of these permitted amounts does not pose immediate harm.
Plasticizers and Ractopamine: Low Levels, but Present
Two products — Bestbuy Sliced Ham and Homemade! Sandwich Ham — contained trace amounts of the plasticizer DEHP (0.10 and 0.12 mg per kg). This is well below the Centre for Food Safety’s action level of 1.5 mg per kg. In everyday terms, a person would need to eat more than 25 kg of the most contaminated sample daily for the plasticizer to pose a health risk.
Additionally, Maid Brand Sandwich Ham Slices and Yu Pin King Sandwich Ham Slices tested positive for ractopamine, a feed additive used to encourage lean muscle growth in livestock. Residue levels (1.2 and 2.0 micrograms per kg) fell below international limits, but the Council cautioned that overconsumption can cause side effects such as heart palpitations and hand tremors, particularly in individuals with heart conditions or blood pressure disorders.
Top-Rated Choices
Amid the concerning results, two products earned the Council’s five-star recommendation:
- M&S FOOD British Lean Ham Low Fat
- Ferrarini Smoked Turkey Breast
These products scored highest across all criteria, including lower sodium content and a cleaner additive profile.
Healthier Sandwich Strategies
The Consumer Council advises reducing intake of processed ham and turkey slices as part of a balanced diet. Shoppers can use nutrition labels to compare sodium levels and look for products labelled “no added nitrites/nitrates.” Opting for lower-sodium deli meats or substituting with freshly cooked meats can also help cut down on sodium and preservatives.
The full test results, including detailed ratings and the complete list of products, are available in Choice issue 542.
Note: Product prices and formulations may change over time. The above information is for reference only.