Macau’s consumer watchdog has given a clean bill of health to a dozen popular pre-packaged broth and soup products, finding zero traces of common preservatives and confirming all samples complied with legal limits for metallic contamination.
In a rigorous market surveillance exercise, the Macau Consumer Council (CCE) purchased 10 widely available packaged clear soups and meat broths from local supermarkets, putting them through laboratory testing for two types of preservatives and one heavy metal pollutant. The results, published in the council’s 364th issue of Macau Consumer, delivered reassuring news for home cooks who rely on these convenient pantry staples.
The samples, which included household names such as Swanson, Campbell’s, Knorr, Heinz, and Eu Yan Sang, originated from mainland China, Australia, France, and Taiwan. Each product was screened for sorbic acid and benzoic acid—two preservatives commonly used in processed food—as well as tin, a metal that can leach from the interior lining of canned goods.
What the Tests Found
All 10 samples returned negative results for both preservatives, while tin levels fell comfortably within Macau’s regulatory safety threshold. In other words, not a single product failed the assessment.
The findings are particularly significant given that these soups are often stored for extended periods and consumed directly without further cooking. Sorbic acid and benzoic acid, while harmless within legal limits, can place additional strain on the body’s metabolic system when consumed in excess over time. Tin, meanwhile, is a metal element that may migrate into food from metal can interiors—especially in acidic conditions—and excessive intake can trigger gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
The 10 Brands Put to the Test
The full list of products analysed included:
- Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (Australia)
- Campbell’s Condensed Ham & Corn Soup (Australia)
- Eu Yan Sang Octopus Lotus Root Fish Maw and Pork Soup (Taiwan)
- Heinz Clear Chicken Soup (France)
- Red Plum Oxtail Soup (mainland China)
- Treasure Brand Oxtail Soup (mainland China)
- Knorr Stock Pot Pork Bone Soup (mainland China)
- On Kee Winter Melon and Barley Spareribs with Duck Soup (mainland China)
- Fresh Box Mushroom Chicken Soup (Taiwan)
- Swanson Clear Chicken Broth (Australia)
Three Practical Tips for Safe Consumption
Despite the positive results, the council’s food safety division urged consumers not to let their guard down when it comes to purchasing, storing, and handling these products. Their recommendations are straightforward but essential:
- Buy from reputable outlets and inspect packaging. Before purchasing, carefully examine the packaging. If a metal can shows signs of rust, dents, or bulging, or if a carton is torn or leaking, do not buy it.
- Read labels and expiry dates diligently. Check the ingredient list and the use-by date on every purchase. Whenever possible, choose products with fewer or no food additives.
- Store leftovers properly after opening. This is perhaps the most important rule. Once a can or carton of soup is opened, do not put the remaining liquid back into the fridge still inside the metal container. Transfer uneaten portions into a non-metal, airtight container—such as glass or food-grade plastic—before refrigerating, and consume within a few days. This practice prevents metal from leaching into the soup and reduces the risk of bacterial growth.
Broader Context and Related Consumer Alerts
The latest report is part of a wider series of safety investigations by consumer councils in the region. In previous testing rounds, authorities have examined everything from soy sauce to fish balls, with mixed results. A separate consmer council investigation into 60 fish-ball and fish-sausage products found widespread use of preservatives, while another uncovered that nearly 90 percent of so-called “beef balls” were actually made primarily from chicken.
These findings underscore the importance of independent testing in helping consumers make informed choices. The Macau CCE has said it will continue to monitor packaged food products and publish regular updates in its monthly consumer journal.
For home cooks who rely on pre-packaged broths as a shortcut to flavour, the latest results offer a welcome measure of reassurance—provided, of course, that basic food-safety practices are followed at home.
This article is based on information published by the Macau Consumer Council. Product prices may vary; please refer to the latest information from retailers.