The Macao Consumer Council has given pre-packaged soup lovers plenty of reason to relax. A new round of rigorous testing on 10 popular brands of clear soups and meat broths — including household names like Campbell’s, Swanson, and Knorr — found zero traces of targeted preservatives and no dangerous levels of heavy metal contamination. The results, published in the council’s 364th issue of Macao Consumer, offer rare reassurance for home cooks who rely on these convenient pantry staples.
What Was Tested and Why
The council randomly purchased 10 pre-packaged soup and broth samples from local supermarkets. The products originated from mainland China, Australia, France, and the Taiwan region. The laboratory analysis focused on two common preservatives — sorbic acid and benzoic acid — along with one specific heavy metal contaminant: tin.
While both preservatives are considered safe within legal limits, excessive intake can strain the body’s metabolic processes. Tin, a metallic element commonly found in food cans, posed a separate concern. According to the Municipal Affairs Bureau’s food safety information portal, tin can leach into food from the inner lining of metal packaging, particularly in acidic conditions. Short-term exposure to high levels may trigger gastrointestinal distress such as nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhoea, while long-term exposure poses more serious health risks.
All 10 Samples Passed With Flying Colours
The findings were a welcome surprise. None of the 10 samples contained detectable levels of sorbic acid or benzoic acid, and all tin concentrations fell comfortably within Macao’s regulatory limits.
The full lineup of tested products included:
- Campbell’s Condensed Soup (cream of chicken; ham and corn) — Australia
- Swanson Clear Chicken Broth — Australia
- Heinz Clear Chicken Soup — France
- Eu Yan Sang Octopus, Lotus Root, and Pork Tendon Soup — Taiwan region
- Red Cow Oxtail Soup — mainland China
- Tasty Oxtail Soup — mainland China
- Knorr Stockpot Pork Bone Broth — mainland China
- On Kee Winter Melon, Barley, and Stewed Duck Soup — mainland China
- Fresh House Mushroom Chicken Soup — Taiwan region
Three Essential Tips for Buying and Handling Packaged Soups
Even with clean test results, the council’s food safety division urges consumers to stay vigilant from shelf to table.
1. Inspect packaging carefully. Always purchase from reputable retailers. Examine cans for rust, dents, or bulging, and avoid paper cartons with tears or leaks.
2. Read labels and check dates. Review ingredient lists and expiry dates before purchase. When possible, opt for products with fewer food additives.
3. Store leftovers the right way. Once opened, never refrigerate remaining soup directly in the metal can. Transfer it to a non-metal, airtight container — glass or food-grade plastic works well — and consume within a few days to prevent metallic migration and bacterial growth.
Broader Implications
This clean bill of health stands in contrast to other recent consumer findings in the region, such as earlier council reports revealing that nearly 90 percent of sampled beef balls contained mostly chicken, and that pickled vegetables frequently contained insect fragments. As consumers increasingly rely on convenient meal shortcuts, the council’s ongoing surveillance plays a vital role in keeping everyday staples accountable. For now, home cooks can simmer, season, and serve with confidence — just remember to decant before you refrigerate.