Macau’s Consumer Council has given a reassuring thumbs-up to bean-product lovers, announcing that all 15 samples of tofu, yuba (dried bean curd sticks), and crispy hotpot rolls purchased from local supermarkets passed rigorous checks for banned industrial dyes and the heavy metal lead. The findings, published in the council’s 393rd issue of Macau Consumer, come after years of public concern over rogue producers using harmful colorants to make their goods look fresher and more vibrant.
Why regulators keep a Close Eye on Bean Products
Soy products like tofu and yuba are nutritional powerhouses, but they have a chequered history in the region. In the past, unscrupulous merchants occasionally laced these everyday staples with industrial dyestuffs—most notably auramine O and dimethyl yellow—to achieve a brighter, more appetising yellow hue. These substances are not food additives; they are industrial chemicals with significant toxicity. Health authorities link chronic exposure to cancer, reproductive harm, and genetic mutations. Lead, another target of this sweep, quietly accumulates in the body over time and can damage the liver, kidneys, and nervous system.
What the Sampling Covered
Acting as ordinary shoppers, council staff bought 15 different products from supermarkets across Macau. The selection was deliberately broad, spanning fresh yuba, restaurant-style yuba rolls for hotpot, dried tofu snacks, and silken tofu. Pack sizes ranged from 108 grams to 500 grams, while declared places of origin included mainland China, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Retail prices varied from MOP $6.00 to $27.50, underlining the wide range of options available to cost-conscious consumers.
The 15 Safe Products at a Glance
Reassuringly, every single sample emerged clean. None of the tested items showed detectable levels of the prohibited colourants or lead. The full safety list includes:
- Meizhou dried tofu (500g; mainland China)
- EB croissant-shaped ring rolls (120g; Malaysia)
- EVERBEST “3-second” yuba rolls (168g; Malaysia)
- LCH Lau Chung Hing fresh yuba (8oz; mainland China)
- Magic Cook / Haidilao hotpot yuba rolls (120g; mainland China)
- OURHOME cooking tofu (340g; South Korea)
- PAK FOOK steamed-and-stirred silken tofu twin pack (2 × 228g; Hong Kong)
- SIO FOK SENG three-sided yuba (170g; origin unmarked)
- Strong Taste “San Shui” branch yuba (170g; origin unmarked)
- Sujin black-bean yuba (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 dried tofu, sweet-spicy (135g; mainland China)
- Chung Wah golden tofu (250g; Taiwan)
- Jinn Zai savoury thick dried tofu (108g; mainland China)
Who Should Cut Back
Although the results are encouraging, the council, citing local registered dietitians, reminds consumers that bean products are not ideal for everyone. Specific groups—particularly those managing certain medical conditions—are advised to moderate their portions or consider avoiding these foods altogether. The council’s full report identifies these at-risk categories and explains the reasoning behind the caution.
Practical Shopping and Eating Tips
Food safety doesn’t end at the checkout counter. The council encourages consumers to adopt a few simple habits: always buy from reputable retailers with clear labelling, check production and expiry dates carefully, store dried bean products in a cool, dry place, and rinse or soak items like yuba before cooking to remove surface impurities. These small steps, combined with a varied and balanced diet, go a long way toward reducing long-term exposure to any unwanted substances.
The Bigger Picture
This clean sweep offers a measure of relief for hotpot enthusiasts and everyday cooks alike, but it also serves as a timely reminder that regulatory vigilance is essential. With the global food supply chain growing more complex, this type of targeted, independent testing keeps the industry honest—and keeps beloved staples like tofu and yuba safe for everyone to enjoy. Consumers who want to stay informed are encouraged to monitor the Macau Consumer Council’s periodic reports and check product labels for any changes in ingredients or origin.