Macau’s Consumer Council has put the minds of home cooks at ease: a rigorous test of 10 widely available packaged broths and soups found zero traces of common preservatives and heavy metal contamination within safe limits. The investigation, covering brands like Swanson, Campbell’s, and Knorr, assures consumers that these kitchen staples pose no immediate health risk when stored and handled properly.
For millions of busy households across Hong Kong and Macau, pre-packaged broths are a culinary shortcut—a quick way to add depth and flavour to a weeknight stir-fry or a comforting noodle soup. But behind the convenience have lurked persistent questions: Are these products loaded with preservatives? Could the packaging leach harmful substances into the liquid?
To address these concerns, the Macau Consumer Council (CCM) recently conducted a targeted study, purchasing 10 samples of clear broths and meat broths from local supermarkets. The products, originating from mainland China, Australia, France, and Taiwan, were selected to represent the most common brands found on regional shelves.
Testing for Two Preservatives and One Heavy Metal
The laboratory analysis focused on three specific hazards. First, the team tested for the preservatives sorbic acid and benzoic acid—additives used to extend shelf life. While these are generally recognised as safe within legal limits, excessive intake can burden the body’s metabolism. Second, the study measured levels of tin, a heavy metal of particular concern for canned goods, as the metal lining inside cans can migrate into food over time, especially in acidic conditions.
According to the Macau Municipal Affairs Bureau’s food safety portal, consuming excessive tin can lead to acute gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhoea, with chronic exposure posing more serious health risks.
100% Pass Rate Delivers Reassurance
The results were unequivocally positive. All 10 samples were free from detectable levels of both sorbic acid and benzoic acid. Furthermore, the concentration of tin in every product fell well below the regulatory limits set by Macau’s food safety laws.
The tested products included: Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Chicken and Ham & Corn soups (Australia), Eu Yan Sang Octopus Lotus Root with Fish Maw & Red Bean Pork Shank soup (Taiwan), Heinz Clear Chicken Broth (France), Plum Oxtail Soup (mainland China), Treasure Brand Oxtail Soup (mainland China), Knorr concentrated Chicken & Pork Bone Broth (mainland China), On Kee Winter Melon & Barley Stewed with Duck (mainland China), Fresh Box Shiitake Chicken Soup (Taiwan), and Swanson Clear Chicken Broth (Australia).
Expert Tips for Safe Selection and Storage
Despite the clean bill of health, the Consumer Council emphasised that safety begins at the shop and continues in the kitchen. To minimise any potential risk, consumers are advised to follow three key practices:
- Inspect packaging before purchase: Buy from reputable retailers and examine cans for rust, dents, or bulging, and cartons for leaks or damage. Do not purchase compromised packaging.
- Read labels thoroughly: Pay attention to ingredient lists and expiry dates. Where possible, opt for products with fewer or no added preservatives.
- Store leftovers correctly—this is critical: Never place an opened metal can directly into the refrigerator with leftover broth. Transfer any unused portion to a non-metallic, airtight container, such as glass or food-grade plastic, and consume within a few days to prevent metal migration and bacterial growth.
Broader Implications for Home Cooks
This test marks the latest in a series of consumer watchdog investigations into processed foods in the region. Previous reports from the Consumer Council have scrutinised everything from fish balls and meatballs to soy sauce and pickled vegetables, often revealing hidden ingredients or contaminants.
For the average home cook, this news serves as a practical green light. The findings confirm that when purchased from trusted sources and stored with care, packaged broths remain a safe and reliable option. However, the Council’s advice to decant leftovers is a small but significant habit that can further protect household health, ensuring that the convenience of a quick soup base does not come with hidden consequences.