Hygiene issues found in 6 out of 30 mask brands tested by Hong Kong consumer watchdog, with worst model exceeding bacterial limits by more than 6 times

Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog has found hygiene issues in six out of 30 brands of disposable face masks tested, with the worst model exceeding bacterial limits by more than six times, while 60 per cent of the products also fell short on filtration claims.

The Consumer Council’s findings were based on tests on 21 brands of flat masks and nine 3D types sold in Hong Kong, with an average retail price of HK$1.50 to HK$9.80 each. All were produced locally aside from two models made in mainland China.

Revealing the findings on Monday, the council said bioburden levels were detected on six models, referring to the amount of bacteria or fungal cells living on an unsterilised surface, exceeding EU standards of 30 colony-forming units per gram.

A Hong Kong-made Casetify Disposable Mask – Mushroom was found with the highest bioburden level – exceeding the limit by more than six times with over 219.9 colony-forming units per gram.

Other brands with high levels included Stand Out Medical Disposable Face Mask AD01, H-Plus The Smurfs 3D Face Mask and Savewo Memories 3D Mask Coral Sunset Typecool+ at 65.1, 123.4 and 155.7 colony-forming units per gram respectively.

In response to the council’s findings, Casetify said some batches of its masks were believed to have been contaminated at different stages of production, including packaging, transport and storage. The company said it had strict supervision and requirements on product quality and would continue to enhance them.

Savewo said it had appointed a third party to inspect masks produced on the same day as those tested by the council and the results were up to standard. It added that it regularly inspected its products and would not “compromise on the cleanliness and hygiene of our masks”.