Mouthing Off | Most Hong Kong margarine contains a carcinogen, so should we stop eating it? Absolutely not
- Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog recently tested samples of different spreads, and found that most margarine contains glycidol, a chemical that can cause cancer
- So should we cut out margarine totally, along with fatty butter? If you do, better stop drinking alcohol, flying in planes and crossing roads while you’re at it
Of all Hong Kong’s government agencies, I like the Consumer Council the most.
Its reports are always a nice refresher on the news, in between items on the Legislative Council’s bureaucracy and large hauls of pork and cigarettes intercepted in anti-smuggling operations. It’s interesting to hear about the efficacy of air fryers and waterproof boots, the performance of water heaters, and the dangers of small parts in children’s foam play mats.
The agency analyses and breaks down all varieties of products and services, communicates findings in interesting and relevant reports, and offers informative facts and trivia about goods that I never expected.
About a year ago, it did a study on the “thickness/thinness” of condoms. That press conference was delivered with the usual non-nonsense straight face. So professional.
