Latest test shows diminishing amount of GM ingredients in chips and instant noodles
The quantity of genetically modified (GM) ingredients in instant noodles and chips, both favourites of the young and old alike, are seemingly on the wane.
The presence of GM ingredients in food is an issue of concern to the Consumer Council which has been campaigning for the consumers the right to be informed about whether the food they purchase and consume has been genetically modified.
As far back as 2000, the Council launched its first ever test on 105 food samples commonly available on the shelves of supermarkets and stores. The results revealed that ingredients of GM plant origin were present in some of these foodstuffs in Hong Kong.
Since then, the Council has called for the introduction of labelling requirement for GM food as without such labelling consumers cannot be expected to effectively exercise their right to choose.
Continuing its vigilance on the issue of GM food, the Council has launched a new series of tests on selected foodstuffs. In the latest test were included 57 samples of instant noodles (33) and potato/corn/shrimp chips (24).
Out of the 57 samples, according to the test, 20 of them - 12 instant noodles, 2 potato chips and 6 corn chips - were found to contain ingredients of genetically modified soy, rapeseed or corn.
In general, however, the quantity of the GM ingredients detected is comparatively lower than that in the previous test three years ago.
In the 2000 test, 3 out of 10 instant noodle samples and 6 out of 12 chip samples were found to contain GM soy ranging in quantity from 10% to 30% and GM corn from 0.6% to 9%.
This time, of the 12 instant noodles detected of GM ingredients, only one sample was found to contain trace amount (0.01% up to 0.3%) of GM rapeseed while the other 11 samples contained unquantifiable GM soy.
In the case of chips, 1 potato chip sample and 3 corn chip samples were shown to contain GM corn ranging in quantity from 0.01% up to 4%. The only exception was found in one batch of corn chips detected with a relatively higher GM corn content of about 29%.
6 chip samples were found to contain GM soy; but in only one of them the GM soy content was quantifiable (0.01% to 5%).
The GM ingredient of some samples is not quantifiable because the amount of extractable DNA in the sample is too low to give a statistically valid analytical result. Low amount of extractable DNA could be due to the degradation of DNA during manufacturing in highly processed foods such as instant noodles and chips.
The Government is proposing a voluntary labelling of GM ingredients with guidelines for the trade to follow in ensuring GM claims are truthful.
The Consumer Council is of the view that a mandatory labelling of GM food should be implemented as soon as practicable, to enable suitable choices to be made by consumers, whether on grounds of health and safety or other concerns about religious, cultural or environmental impact of GM food.
Although the GM varieties are not presumed to be less safe than their conventional counterparts, it cannot be ignored that problems could arise after years of consumption. A proper labelling system will assure for effective investigation of such potential health hazards.
The Government is also proposing mandatory safety assessment.
The Council supports the implementation of mandatory pre-market safety assessment provided that the assessment is based on the studies of third-party or independent bodies instead of those done by the developers of GMO i.e. biotech companies. Preferably such research can be funded independently (by non-biotech industry funding).
As many GM food safety studies are presently conducted in western countries, the Council considers that independent research carried out by local universities and research centers will be most valuable in view of the cultural differences in the habit of food consumption, and differences in body build between westerners and Chinese.
Survey shows lenders in concerted act to help borrowers
Most banks and financial institutions now offer debt relief solutions in an apparently concerted effort to help consumers in financial difficulties and stem the growth of personal bankruptcy petitions.
A Consumer Council survey on 49 banks and financial institutions has shown that 46 of them will undertake to process applications from borrowers in need of debt relief solutions.
In 2002, the Official Receiver's Office recorded a total of 26,922 bankruptcy petitions, a dramatic 104% increase compared with 13,186 in 2001.
At least 45 financial institutions have signed an agreement for the provision of an Interbank Debt Relief Plan (DRP). Four others which are not signatory to the agreement, have also pledged support to the scheme.
Under the DRP scheme, consideration will be given on a case-by-case basis to assist borrowers in consolidating existing loans into a new loan on repayment terms acceptable to the borrower and the lending institution.
Such repayment terms may include: no further interest, discount on principal (up to a maximum of 30%), and extended repayment tenors (up to 60 months).
In addition to DRP, borrowers can also seek other means of debt relief solutions such as Individual Voluntary Agreement (IVA) and by negotiating for debt restructure with creditors.
Similar relief arrangements that include reduced interest rate, paying interest only or lowering the repayment amount over a period of time, are also available under these solutions.
The success rate of borrowers being approved of debt relief plans varied from lender to lender ranging from 36% to 100%, according to the survey.
An average of about 400 cases were approved by the lenders in the survey but this figure may not fully reflect the situation as some credit providers were reluctant to disclose information on this aspect.
The records of the Official Receiver's Office indicated that 1,038 IVA cases were approved in the year 2002-2003 compared with only 26 during the period between 1998 and 2002.
The Council, however, observed that financial institutions still tend to be low-key in their promotion of these debt relief solutions and that greater transparency is needed to gain the confidence of consumers who may otherwise be reluctant to seek relief for fear of immediate debt collection.
Financial institutions are urged to establish clear policy in dealing with clients in financial difficulties and communicate such policy to customers as well as all relevant staff. The setting up of a hotline specially for debt restructuring for easy access of consumers in need, as is the case with a bank included in the survey, is strongly recommended for the industry to follow suit.
In the survey, at least one financial institution has indicated specifically that it will consider offer debt relief plans to clients suffering from financial hardship as a result of SARS, such as Amoy Garden residents, drivers and owners of tour bus, public and private light bus, school bus and taxi.
Act proactively to spot and help clients with potential debt problem in routine credit review. Approach the clients with debt restructuring solutions rather than pass the cases to Debt Collection Agencies, so as to help debtors seek debt relief solutions before it is too late.
Borrowers will stand a better chance of reaching a mutually acceptable solution with their creditors, if they are in employment with a stable income with at least 30% of the income available for repayment (after accounting for a reasonable level of living) within a period of 5 years. Borrowers are advised to be open and honest in disclosing to their creditors full and accurate information.
As part of the survey, the Council also surveyed the market with regard to debt management professional fees.
On the basis of 6 solicitor firms which responded to the survey, the all-in cost for their various services was estimated to be about $11,000 to $15,500 for bankruptcy petition, $24,000 (minimum) for IVA cases and $5,000 to $10,000 for negotiate-with-creditor cases, the latter two depending on the gross amount and number of creditors involved, etc.
Consumers are advised to shop around paying particular attention to whether the lowest price quoted in the advertisement is applicable to specific conditions only, for instance, clarify whether it is restricted to the unemployed or those without properties, whether it is for advisory and filling forms only, whether it includes the work of notifying creditors, etc. Otherwise you may easily go beyond your budget.
Besides fees and charges, quality of service is also of equal importance.
The industry, on the other hand, is urged to disclose detailed fees and charges, preferably an estimated all-in cost before commencement of service.
Look for the Registration Number on mosquito repellents against dengue fever
Consumers are advised to buy and use mosquito repellents and pesticides which have been registered to ensure safety in the prevention against dengue fever.
The advice followed a recent market survey of the Consumer Council which found some of the insect repellent products did not bear a registration number.
Under the Pesticides Ordinance (Chapter 133), mosquito repellent and pesticide products sold in Hong Kong should be registered. This ordinance is regulated by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. Consumers should look for the prescribed registration number "1PXXX" which should appear on the outside of the package for easy recognition.
And under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Chapter 138), insect repellent products that contain western medicine intended to be applied on the human body, should bear the registration number "HK-XXXXX". This ordinance is regulated by the Department of Health.
The Council has referred the findings of the survey on mosquito repellents for application on the body, to the Department of Health for further investigation.
The attention of consumers is also drawn to the two sets of what are known as Ovitrap Indices compiled by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department in an effort to monitor the breeding and distribution of a commonly found mosquito in Hong Kong, Aedes albopictus, which if infected with dengue fever virus, spread the disease.
The Area Ovitrap Index (AOI) indicates the extensiveness of the distribution of the Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in a particular surveyed area (ovitraps are placed in 38 locations throughout the territory) while the Monthly Ovitrap Index (MOI) reflects the overall Aedes albopictus situation in Hong Kong. Both the AOI and MOI can be accessed for information on the FEHD website, http://www.info.gov.hk/fehd/safefood/dengue_fever/index.html .
Test report on colour-LCD-display mobile phones
27 new mobile phone models - 18 of them with colour LCD display - were compared in a test published in the May issue of CHOICE.
Many of the models with colour LCD display are capable of displaying brilliant graphics or photos. And they are not necessarily expensive, some may cost under $1,000.
In the test, all of the samples have WAP function for connection to the internet, with most utilizing GPRS for faster and always-on connection.
8 samples support MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) function, allowing users to send messages with sound and image. Users should, however, be wary of the service charges.
2 samples are equipped with built-in digital camera function. They are handy for taking snap shots but the quality is not comparable to the digital cameras.
A SPECIAL REPORT ON CONSUMER PRODUCTS FOR PREVENTION AGAINST THE SPREAD OF SARS
Test reveals variations in concentration of household bleaches as anti-SARS disinfectant
The Consumer Council today (May 15) released the results of a test on 22 samples of household bleaches which are now being widely used as a disinfectant against the SARS virus.
The test compared the bleaches for the concentration of the active ingredient - sodium hypochlorite.
The results are as revealing in the variations of their chemical composition as they are important in ensuring their effectiveness in killing the SARS virus.
The test showed significant variations in the sodium hypochlorite content of the bleaches, ranging in concentration from the highest of 6.99% to the least of 2.2% by weight, a difference of more than twofold!
But few consumers will ever get to know the exact concentration of sodium hypochlorite in household bleaches as, according to the test, only 4 of the 22 samples were labelled with this vital information.
Out of the 22 samples, half of them (11) did not even make mention of sodium hypochlorite as an ingredient.
The test samples, sourced from supermarkets, grocery stores, personal products shops and drug stores, ranged in size from 1.5 litres to 5 litres and in price from $8.9 to $29.9.
In terms of sodium hypochlorite content, samples with better value for money could cost as little as 77 cents per 10 grams of the chemical, but this could rise to as much as $2.89 in some samples, a difference of $2.12.
Other factors that have a bearing on the value for money for household bleaches include the presence and amount of other ingredients such as stabilizer (to prolong the shelf life of the product).
In the prevention against the spread of SARS in the community, household bleaches are assuming an increasingly important role. The public is generally advised to mix one part of household bleach with 99 parts, or 49 parts, of water for environmental disinfection.
According to the Department of Health, this dilution is based on household bleaches with sodium hypochlorite concentration at 5.25%.
The dilution ratios of 1:99 or 1:49 translate into approximately 500ppm or 1,000ppm of chlorine, which is considered appropriate for the vast majority of uses requiring intermediate level of germicidal activity (ability to kill germs).
In view of the variances in sodium hypochlorite concentration of household bleaches available in the market, the Consumer Council's advice is that to achieve optimal effectiveness in disinfection, users can adjust the amount required accordingly if the household bleach falls above or below the 5.25% concentration.
But do not overuse household bleaches to avoid the consequences of environmental pollution and harmful effect to health.
Consumers are also advised not to purchase household bleaches in excessive quantity as sodium hypochlorite solution is not very stable and will decompose over time. Consumers should therefore take note of the date of production - although only 8 of the 22 bleach samples carried the information on the package.
Manufacturers, importers and suppliers of household bleaches are urged to label the products with active ingredients and concentrations, appropriate warnings, instructions for use, first-aid, storage and disposal in both Chinese and English.
Some of the test samples were suspected to be not complying with the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance in respect of bilingual safety labelling requirement. For instance, according to the EC (European Commission) Directives, all hypochlorite solutions above 1% must be labelled with "Warning! Do not use together with other products. May release dangerous gases (chlorine)".
The Consumer Council has passed on the test findings to the Customs and Excise Department which has undertaken to investigate if there is any contravention of the general safety requirement under the Ordinance.
More SARS preventive products
Hand sanitizers, wet tissues with alcohol, rubbing alcohol, and thermometers for body temperature are products in great demand to ward off the menace ofSARS.
To enhance public awareness and understanding, the Consumer Council has surveyed the market of these products:
On hand sanitizers Included in the survey were 17 models of hand sanitizer ranging in price from $7 to $70 and in claimed volume from 30 ml to 120 ml. Most are hand gels and some applicable as spray, containing alcohol or ethyl alcohol.
Alcohol solutions with alcohol content over 60% up to 95% are most effective in killing viable micro-organisms. Higher concentration (over 95%) is in fact less potent.
Consumers are advised that the frequent use of alcohol-based hand sanitizing products can cause drying of the skin.
On wet tissues with alcohol Most are packed individually and convenient to carry and use but some may be just too small to achieve a good cleaning effect of the hands.
On rubbing alcohol Most contain 70% to 95% alcohol - some isopropyl alcohol and some ethyl (ethanol) alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is normally used at home to disinfect children's toys, telephone, thermometer or daily accessories.
According to the Department of Health, any products bearing claims to kill germs and applicable to the skin are classified as medical products and will need to be registered with the department.
Alcohol-based sanitizing products, other than those that need to be registered, will come under the control of the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance in respect of bilingual safety labelling requirement.
As the samples surveyed did not display any registration number and some without proper safety labelling as required, the Council has referred the findings to the Department of Health, and the Customs and Excise Department for further action deemed necessary.
Care should also be taken when using these alcohol-containing products, to (a) keep away from flame and fire, (b) avoid contact with eyes and wounds (as it may cause a stinging sensation at the site of any broken skin), (c) keep away from the reach of children, and (d) store in cool dry area.
On thermometersfor body temperature The survey shows there are commonly 4 types available: mercury-glass (costing a few dollars to less than twenty), electronic, infrared ear (costing several hundred dollars) and liquid crystalcolour-change thermometers.
The different types vary in their ease of use and accuracy. For instance, the mercury-glass type poses potential breakage of the glass and releasing of the toxic mercury, and is difficult to read. The electronic type is easy to read and safe (no mercury or glass).
The infrared ear type is quick but accuracy restricted by conditions of use such as direction of the probe, obstruction from ear wax, use of lens cover. It should be noted that as there may be a slight difference in temperature measured from the left or right ear, always measure the same ear for consistency. The liquid crystal colour-change type is also difficult to read with colour change of small dots or cells.
Attention should also be paid to the need and proper means for the cleaning of these thermometers for hygienic purpose.
Consumers are urged to consult this May issue of the Consumer Council monthly publication CHOICE for more details concerning these various preventive products againstSARS.
Chairing the press conference today (May 15) on the publication of CHOICE issue number 319 is Dr. Matthew NG, Chairman of Publicity and Community Relations Committee of the Consumer Council. Also present is Dr. Thomas W.H. CHUNG, Principal Medical & Health Officer of the Department of Health, in connection with the special report onanti-SARS products.
Chairing the press conference today (May 15) on the publication of CHOICE issue number 319 is Dr. Matthew NG, Chairman of Publicity and Community Relations Committee of the Consumer Council. Also present is Dr. Thomas W.H. CHUNG, Principal Medical & Health Officer of the Department of Health, in connection with the special report onanti-SARS products.