1. Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog has detected cancer-causing substances in all 60 samples of pre-packaged biscuits and crackers.
The products, including Hup Seng Special Cream Crackers and Oreo Mini, were found to contain carcinogens called glycidol or acrylamide, or both.
The products, including Hup Seng Special Cream Crackers and Oreo Mini, were found to contain carcinogens called glycidol or acrylamide, or both.
2. Muji Shiruko Sandwich Cracker had 620 g/kg of acrylamide, which is almost double the safe limit.
The Hong Kong Consumer Council says glycidol and acrylamide are produced in high-temperature processing of biscuits.
Animal testing indicates the carcinogens may induce cancer.
The Hong Kong Consumer Council says glycidol and acrylamide are produced in high-temperature processing of biscuits.
Animal testing indicates the carcinogens may induce cancer.
3. “We believe these kinds of contaminants are possible to avoid because according to our findings, some of the ingredients in these biscuits are palm oil,” the council says.
Palm oil refined at high temperatures carries potential carcinogenic risks, according to EFSA.
Palm oil refined at high temperatures carries potential carcinogenic risks, according to EFSA.
4. Fifty-six of the samples were found to contain 3-MCPD, which can affect the kidneys and male fertility.
EFSA recommends the daily intake of the contaminant should not be more than 120g for a 60kg adult. But some of the sampled biscuits had 2,000g of 3-MCPD for every kg.
EFSA recommends the daily intake of the contaminant should not be more than 120g for a 60kg adult. But some of the sampled biscuits had 2,000g of 3-MCPD for every kg.
5. The watchdog also found that about 85% of the tested samples were also high in fat, sugar or sodium.
Meanwhile, 40% of the biscuits carried misleading nutrition labels, raising major concerns for those with health conditions relying on accurate information.
Meanwhile, 40% of the biscuits carried misleading nutrition labels, raising major concerns for those with health conditions relying on accurate information.
6. “You should eat these biscuits as little as possible or replace them with a healthier choice. If you really need to eat them, be disciplined and controlled,” the watchdog says.
It also urged manufacturers to review their formula to reduce the presence of contaminants.
It also urged manufacturers to review their formula to reduce the presence of contaminants.
7. The Hong Kong Consumer Council points out that biscuits should not be a substitute for regular meals.
It also suggests healthier alternatives for snacks, such as fresh fruit, unsalted roasted nuts, seeds, low-sugar soy milk and low-fat or skimmed milk.
It also suggests healthier alternatives for snacks, such as fresh fruit, unsalted roasted nuts, seeds, low-sugar soy milk and low-fat or skimmed milk.
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