Hong Kong, May 2025 – A comprehensive test of 46 canned fish products by the Consumer Council of Hong Kong has revealed that sodium levels in dried fish (ling yu) cans can differ by nearly twofold per 100 grams, with one brand priced at HK$23.9 achieving a perfect five-star rating for its low metal contaminants and overall safety. The findings, published in the council’s Choice magazine issue 525, underscore the need for consumers to carefully monitor portion sizes when enjoying these convenient, pantry-staple items.
The Consumer Council collected 46 common canned fish varieties from supermarkets and department stores across Hong Kong, including seven dried fish (ling yu) samples, priced between HK$15.9 and HK$23.9 per can. Laboratories removed sauces and other ingredients before testing the fish portions for both safety and nutritional content. Safety assessments focused on metal pollutants—such as antimony, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, and tin—as well as prohibited dyes and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Nutrition tests measured energy, protein, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), carbohydrates, sugar, sodium, and calcium.
Safety Profile: Contaminants Low Across the Board
All seven dried fish samples contained trace amounts of metal pollutants, but none exceeded the limits set by current Hong Kong regulations or the amended regulations. Overall safety scores ranged from four to five stars. Notably, one sample from Pearl River Bridge Brand showed low levels of dioxin-like PCBs, but the council noted that only excessive consumption would surpass the provisional tolerable monthly intake recommended by expert committees. This indicates that, for most consumers, these canned products pose minimal risk from contaminants when eaten in moderation.
Calcium Content: A Nutritional Bright Spot
The high-temperature and high-pressure canning process softens fish bones, making them edible and boosting calcium intake. Of the three canned fish types tested, dried fish showed the highest average calcium content, despite having the lowest DHA and EPA fatty acid levels. The Gan Zhu Brand sample led all dried fish products with 910 milligrams of calcium per 100 grams of fish. For context, a seven-year-old child consuming roughly 109 grams—about 0.6 cans based on net fish weight—would approach the daily recommended calcium intake. This positions dried fish as an excellent option for bone health, especially for families seeking calcium-rich convenience foods.
Sodium Warning: High Levels Across Most Brands
Dried fish cans are typically preserved and fried, resulting in the highest average sodium content among all tested canned fish. Four brands—Tian Long, Eagle Coin, Pearl River Bridge Brand, and Great Wall Brand—exceeded 1,000 milligrams of sodium per 100 grams, placing them in the “high sodium” category under Hong Kong’s Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations. The council emphasized that nutrition labels on packages reflect the entire product, including seasonings and oil, not just the fish. Using Eagle Coin as an example, a single serving of fish (55 grams, or one-quarter of the can) contains about 283 milligrams of sodium. However, consuming the entire can—including the sauce—adds over 880 milligrams, exceeding 40% of the World Health Organization’s daily sodium limit for adults and 50% of the recommended intake for a seven-year-old child per Chinese dietary guidelines.
Top Performer: One Brand Wins Five Stars
Among the seven dried fish products, Eagle Coin Gold Award Dried Fish with Black Bean Sauce, priced at HK$23.9, earned the highest overall rating of five stars. This sample excelled in both metal contaminant and other pollutant tests, offering consumers a reliable option for minimal chemical exposure.
Broader Implications and Next Steps
These results highlight a crucial trade-off for canned fish lovers: while dried fish provides significant calcium, its high sodium content demands careful consumption. Health experts recommend limiting intake to small portions, avoiding the sauce when possible, and pairing it with low-sodium foods. The Consumer Council advises checking nutrition labels thoroughly, noting that the listed sodium includes all ingredients. For those concerned about contaminants, the low levels found in all samples suggest that occasional consumption poses no major health risk.
Looking ahead, the council encourages manufacturers to consider reducing sodium levels in dried fish products, as public awareness of salt-related health risks grows. Consumers can explore alternative canned fish, such as tuna or salmon, which offer lower sodium and higher omega-3 fatty acids, though calcium content may be lower. For families seeking calcium-rich meals, the Gan Zhu Brand sample stands out as a valuable addition to a balanced diet, provided portions are managed.
In a related context, the council also tested 30 bottled water samples and found trace contaminants in some products, including bromate and plasticizers, though none exceeded safety thresholds. This broader testing reinforces the message: informed choices and mindful consumption are key to enjoying convenience foods without compromising health.