A recent investigation by the Macau Consumer Council into 15 popular tofu and dried bean curd products—staples in hotpot and everyday cooking—has returned a clean bill of health, with every sample passing stringent tests for banned industrial colorants and heavy metals.
The probe, conducted by staff purchasing items as ordinary consumers from Macau supermarkets, covered a wide range of products including fresh bean curd sheets, hotpot crispy rolls, dried tofu, and silken tofu. Sizes ranged from 108g to 500g, with origins spanning mainland China, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, and retail prices between MOP $6.00 and $27.50. All 15 samples were tested for the illegal dyes Auramine O and Dimethyl Yellow—both industrial pigments with known carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic properties—as well as the heavy metal lead, which can accumulate in the body and damage the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. Every single product passed without any detectable violations.
Why This Test Matters
The food industry has seen past incidents where unscrupulous manufacturers added industrial dyes to bean curd products to enhance their color, posing serious health risks. The Macau Consumer Council’s latest effort, published in Issue 393 of Macau Consumer magazine, aimed to reassure the public that these staple ingredients remain safe when sourced from reputable suppliers. The results confirm that no banned substances were found, and lead levels were within all safety limits.
The 15 Certified Products (in no particular order)
- Meizhou Dried Tofu (500g, mainland China)
- EB Croissant Shaped Ring Roll (120g, Malaysia)
- EVERBEST 3-Second Crispy Roll (168g, Malaysia)
- LCH Liu Zhong Xing Fresh Bean Curd Sheet (8oz, mainland China)
- Magic Cook Haidilao Hotpot Crispy Roll (120g, mainland China)
- OURHOME Cooking Tofu (340g, South Korea)
- PAK FOOK Steaming & Stirring Smooth Tofu Twin Pack (2x228g, Hong Kong)
- SIO FOK SENG Three-Sided Bean Curd (170g, origin not stated)
- Strong Taste Shanshui Round Bean Curd Stick (170g, origin not stated)
- Sujin Black Soybean Bean Curd Sheet (250g, mainland China)
- TOPSOYA Organic Soybean Tofu (400g, Hong Kong)
- Vitasoy SAN SUI Organic Silken Tofu for Steaming (350g, Hong Kong)
- ZHOU HEI YA Braised Tofu Snack (Sweet & Spicy) (135g, mainland China)
- Zhonghua Golden Tofu (250g, Taiwan)
- Jinzai Thick Soybean Snack (108g, mainland China)
Who Should Exercise Caution?
Despite the clean safety record, registered dietitians consulted by the council warn that certain individuals should moderate or avoid soy-based foods:
- Gout sufferers: Soy products contain purines, which can trigger painful flare-ups.
- People with high uric acid: Excess purines raise uric acid levels and burden kidney function.
- Those with sensitive digestion or prone to bloating: Oligosaccharides in beans are difficult to digest and can cause gas and abdominal discomfort.
4 Smart Tips for Buying and Eating Tofu and Bean Curd
While this test brought good news, the council and nutritionists recommend these everyday precautions:
- Choose trusted retailers: Inspect packaging for damage or broken seals; avoid any that appear compromised.
- Read labels carefully: Check production and expiry dates, and storage instructions. Do not buy packages that are swollen or bloated.
- Check appearance and smell: Fresh bean curd sheets should be dry, flexible, and free of mold or off-odors. Any musty, sour, or chemical smell means discard immediately.
- Store and cook properly: Once opened, seal tightly and refrigerate. Consume promptly. Always soak bean curd sheets thoroughly and cook fully before eating.
Looking Ahead
This comprehensive test offers consumers concrete reassurance that major brands—including Pak Fook, Vitasoy, and Haidilao—remain free from the harmful contaminants that once plagued the industry. However, the findings also underscore the need for ongoing vigilance. As hotpot season continues and home cooks rely on these versatile ingredients, the Macau Consumer Council’s work serves as a timely reminder: informed choices and proper handling are the best defenses against food safety risks.
For further reading, the council’s full report is available in Issue 393 of Macau Consumer, and related testing on cup noodles, sugar, sesame oil, and pasta can be found on the consumer authority’s website.