Popular searches
Items per page
- 2024.08
- Features
- Food and Cooking
4 Major Bread Spreads: A Health and Indulgence Comparison !
Comparison Results Protein Comparison: Peanut Butter and Sesame Paste Win Protein helps build muscles and repair cells and tissues. According to the Nutrient Data Laboratory under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, peanut butter and sesame paste samples contain an average of 22.5 grams and 17 grams of protein per 100 grams, respectively, making them “high-protein” foods. In contrast, the protein content of jam and butter is relatively low, with samples containing only 0.37 grams and 0.85 grams of protein per 100 grams, respectively. Fat Comparison: Jam Wins Fat provides energy and essential fatty acids for the body, helping to absorb fat-soluble vitamins. However, excessive intake can lead to obesity. Excessive saturated fatty acids increase bad cholesterol in the blood, affecting heart health. Trans fatty acids increase bad cholesterol levels while lowering good cholesterol levels, having a greater impact on the body than saturated fatty acids. Long-term intake of large amounts of trans fatty acids can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Although monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids can lower bad cholesterol levels in the blood and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, excessive intake can also lead to obesity. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Data Center, jam has an average total fat content of 0.07 grams, making it a “fat-free” food. In contrast, tests found that peanut butter, sesame paste, and butter are “high-fat” foods. According to test results and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Data Center, butter has the highest average total fat content (83.0 grams per 100 grams), followed by sesame paste (53.8 grams) and peanut butter (45.7 grams). Butter’s fat is mainly saturated fat (46.0 grams), and its trans fat (3.5 grams) is the highest among the four spreads. Peanut butter’s fat is mainly monounsaturated fat (23.7 grams). Sesame paste has a balanced distribution of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, with average contents of 19.9 grams and 22.4 grams, respectively. Dietary Fibre Comparison: Sesame Paste Wins Increasing dietary fibre intake helps reduce body fat and is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. According to test results and the Nutrient Data Laboratory under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, peanut butter has an average dietary fibre content of 4.8 grams per 100 grams, making it a “source of dietary fibre.” Sesame paste, with an average dietary fibre content of 9.3 grams per 100 grams, is a “high dietary fibre” food. In contrast, although jam is made from fruit, its average dietary fibre content is only 1.1 grams, not qualifying as a “source of dietary fibre.” Butter samples contain no dietary fibre at all. Sugar Comparison: Butter and Sesame Paste Win Excessive intake of free sugars can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay. According to test results and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Data Center, butter and sesame paste are “sugar-free” foods, with average sugar contents of 0.06 grams and 0.49 grams per 100 grams, respectively. Peanut butter has an average sugar content of 9.9 grams per 100 grams, not qualifying as “high sugar,” “low sugar,” or “sugar-free” food. In contrast, jam is a “high sugar” food. Although its total fat content is low, its sugar content is the highest among the four, with an average of 42.9 grams per 100 grams. Sodium Content Comparison: Jam and Sesame Paste Win An appropriate amount of sodium is essential for maintaining normal body functions, but excessive intake can increase the risk of high blood pressure, which, if not treated early, can lead to chronic diseases such as heart disease and stroke. According to test results and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Data Center, jam samples have the lowest average sodium content (32 milligrams per 100 grams), making them “very low sodium (or salt)” foods. Sesame paste follows with a sodium content of 115 milligrams, making it a “low sodium (or salt)” food. Vitamin C Comparison: No Winner Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that helps wound healing, maintains joint health, and aids iron absorption to prevent anaemia. Insufficient intake can lead to scurvy, swollen and bleeding gums, and joint pain. According to test results and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Data Center, only jam was found to contain vitamin C. However, the average vitamin C content per 100 grams is only 5.5 milligrams, so it is not considered a “source of vitamin C.” The other three spreads did not contain vitamin C. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties, protecting cell membranes from free radical damage. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Data Center, peanut butter and butter have average vitamin E contents of 9.1 mg α-tocopherol equivalents and 2.32 mg α-tocopherol equivalents per 100 grams, respectively, making them “high vitamin E” and “source of vitamin E” foods. Eat Less, Enjoy More: Balanced Diet is More Important Although the above four spreads each have unique flavours and benefits, it is important to remember to reduce the intake of sugar, sodium, saturated fats, and trans fats. A balanced diet is always the most important! It is recommended to eat at least two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables daily. Disclaimer This article has been translated using artificial intelligence (AI) technology. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the translation, it may not be perfect and could contain errors or inaccuracies. The original article athttps://www.consumer.org.hk/tc/shopping-guide/features/2024-jamshould be referred to for the most accurate information. The Consumer Council does not assume any responsibility for any error, omission, or ambiguity in the translated content. If you have any question or concern about the translation, please refer to the original article or consult a professional translator.
- 2022.10
- Tips
- Food and Cooking
【Healthy Eating Methods】Nutritional Misconceptions You Should Know Before Ordering Nutritional Meals
Misconception 1: Nutritional Meals Are Always Suitable for You? Cooking for Yourself Is the Healthiest Nutritional meals have become a popular choice for those pursuing healthy eating in recent years. Companies offering nutritional meal plans often claim their products are designed by professionals and even boast weight loss effects. But is this really the case? Our recent tests on nine nutritional meal samples available on the market found that eight samples had actual energy, protein, total fat, and/or carbohydrate contents that did not match the values stated on their nutrition labels. Three samples had total fat contents exceeding 120% of the labelled values, not meeting the requirements of the “Technical Guidance Notes on Nutrition Labelling and Nutrition Claims” (hereinafter referred to as the “Technical Guidance”). Additionally, five samples had carbohydrate contents below 80% of the labelled values, also not meeting the “Technical Guidance” requirements. People ordering nutritional meals might unknowingly consume more fat and fewer carbohydrates than indicated, affecting their expected weight loss goals. Our investigation also revealed that although these companies claim their nutritional meal plans are designed by dietitians or personal trainers, they generally do not specify which age group, gender, or physical condition the plans are intended for. It is recommended that those considering ordering nutritional meals first understand their own physical condition. If weight loss is needed due to illness, consult a doctor and a dietitian before ordering nutritional meals. Cooking Nutritional Meals Yourself: Reducing Salt and Sugar Is the Healthiest For a healthier weight loss nutritional meal, the best method is to cook it yourself. Choose ingredients and seasonings based on your physical condition, pay attention to the types of fats in the food, reduce salt and sugar, and avoid processed meats or excessive seasoning and sauces. To maintain nutritional balance, each meal should include various food categories, and fruits and dairy products should be supplemented between meals. This way, you can easily create a nutritionally balanced meal. Misconception 2: Dried Fruit Can Also Be Antioxidant, So It Can Replace Fresh Fruit? Searching for dried fruit online often brings up keywords like health and nutrition, because even when fruit is dried, it can still provide antioxidants like polyphenols. However, note that dried fruit cannot completely replace fresh fruit, as the drying process significantly reduces the original nutrients of the fruit. Additionally, the sugar content proportion increases due to fructose concentration, and some manufacturers may add extra sugar, inadvertently causing health-conscious individuals to consume more sugar. Therefore, when referencing “XXX nutritional trivia” online, remember to do thorough research and avoid blindly following a single healthy eating method. Misconception 3: Whole Wheat Bread and White Bread Are Both Bread, So No Need to Differentiate? Whole wheat bread and white bread are common foods. According to our tests on 14 white bread and 14 whole wheat bread samples, all tested samples were safe to eat and not high in sodium. However, whole wheat bread samples had higher average contents of dietary fibre, iron, copper, zinc, and magnesium compared to white bread. Dietary fibre can increase satiety, help reduce appetite, control weight, and promote bowel movements to prevent constipation. White bread uses refined wheat flour, which loses dietary fibre and minerals during processing, whereas whole wheat flour retains the outer layer of wheat, making it more nutritious. Therefore, whole wheat bread generally has higher nutritional value, and it is recommended to choose unrefined grain foods like whole wheat bread for more comprehensive nutrition. Finally, remember that healthy eating requires thorough research to avoid nutritional misconceptions. In addition to a balanced diet, regular exercise is also essential. If you want to order or make nutritional meals, first assess your personal physical condition. If you have doubts about the food proportions in nutritional meals, you can refer to the “Healthy Eating Plate” by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Disclaimer This article has been translated using artificial intelligence (AI) technology. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the translation, it may not be perfect and could contain errors or inaccuracies. The original article athttps://www.consumer.org.hk/tc/shopping-guide/tips/2022-healthy-mealshould be referred to for the most accurate information. The Consumer Council does not assume any responsibility for any error, omission, or ambiguity in the translated content. If you have any question or concern about the translation, please refer to the original article or consult a professional translator.
- 2022.09
- Trivia
- Food and Cooking
【Pasta Trivia】Can You Tell Which Product is More Al Dente by Looking at the Ingredient List? Does Eating Pasta Absorb Less Calories Than Eating Rice?
1. "Sauceless Pasta" is Lower in Calories Than Rice That’s right! Eating a bowl of pasta indeed absorbs fewer calories than eating a bowl of rice, but this only applies to pasta without added sauce. Although pasta contains more protein and dietary fibre than rice, it also has a higher fat content. If you eat pasta with sauce, the energy and fat absorbed can be more than eating rice, not to mention the additional sugar and sodium intake. Consumers need to be cautious! 2. Pasta Has a Lower Glycemic Index People with diabetes should pay attention to the glycemic index (GI) value of foods to better control blood sugar levels. Foods with a low GI value (55 or below) convert to glucose and being absorbed by body slowly during digestion, resulting in a smaller rise in blood sugar levels after eating. Pasta is a low GI food; in contrast, rice is a high GI food (70 or above). Additionally, consumers should also consider the origin, cooking methods, or other foods eaten at the same time, as these factors can affect the glycemic index. Diabetic patients can consult a dietitian or doctor for more dietary advice and information. 3. Choose More AI Dente Pasta by Looking at the Ingredient List Want to cook al dente pasta? The secret is to choose products with a more chewy texture! In Italy, the “home” of pasta, it is regulated that dry pasta must be made from durum wheat semolina made from coarsely milled durum wheat, which has higher gluten content than soft wheat flour used for regular noodles. This helps pasta maintain a stable structure during cooking, creating a chewy texture. Next time you buy pasta, you’ll know what to choose! 4. Pasta Pront to "Heat Damage" Have you heard of pasta experiencing “thermal damage”? It all starts with the pasta manufacturing process. The drying process significantly affects the quality of pasta. When pasta is dried using heat, it undergoes the Maillard reaction, where lysine, an essential amino acid in pasta, combines with reducing sugars, resulting in a chemical reaction that forms furosine. Lysine that combined with reducing sugars can no longer be absorbed and used by the human body, reducing the nutritional value of pasta. The higher the drying temperature, the faster the Maillard reaction occurs, meaning more lysine undergoes chemical reactions, forming more furosine, and the nutritional value of pasta decreases. Additionally, drying pasta at higher temperatures can cause it to become too dark and taste worse. These situations are known as “thermal damage.” Traditionally, manufacturers should dry pasta at temperatures below 60°C, a process that takes 24 to 60 hours. However, to increase efficiency, many manufacturers now dry pasta at higher temperatures to shorten the required time, which can affect the nutritional quality, colour, and taste of pasta. To find out which pasta has higher quality and less severe thermal damage, refer to the article link below about our recent pasta testing results. It includes the furosine content of each product; the higher the content, the higher the temperature used to dry the pasta. 5. Hidden Foreign Objects in Pasta? Watch Video: During the wheat harvesting process, insects and stones can mix into the raw materials, or during production, hair and fibres from factory workers’ clothing can accidentally mix into the pasta. These are reasons why pasta may contain foreign objects. In our recent tests, the insect fragments and other foreign objects found in pasta were generally very small and required a microscope to see clearly. Moreover, most bacteria should be killed during high-temperature cooking. However, some products were detected with relatively high levels of insects and fragments, indicating that hygiene condition needs to be improved. Consumers can refer to our report when purchasing pasta products. To learn more, please refer to [Issue 529 of “Choice” Monthly: 35 Types of Dry Pasta Contain Foreign Objects, Pay Attention to Mycotoxin Levels for Children’s Risk]. Extended Reading: Rice Noodles vs. Rice Are non-fried rice noodles, rice vermicelli, and ho fun really healthier? How many metallic contaminants do they contain? What are the differences between rice and rice noodles in terms of nutrition? Find the answers in [Issue 544 of “Choice” Monthly: Rice Noodles or Rice? Pollutants, Calories, and Fat Revealed]. Disclaimer This article has been translated using artificial intelligence (AI) technology. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the translation, it may not be perfect and could contain errors or inaccuracies. The original article athttps://www.consumer.org.hk/tc/shopping-guide/trivia/2022-trivia-spaghettishould be referred to for the most accurate information. The Consumer Council does not assume any responsibility for any error, omission, or ambiguity in the translated content. If you have any question or concern about the translation, please refer to the original article or consult a professional translator.
![[Baby Snacks Guide] Who Says Snacks Can’t Be Healthy?](/f/guide_detail/415742/357c201/bb%20snack.jpg)
- 2022.09
- Tips
- Family and Kids
- Food and Cooking
[Baby Snacks Guide] Who Says Snacks Can’t Be Healthy?
Why Do Babies Need Snacks? Since babies do not eat a lot at one time and have varying daily activity levels, snacks can provide sufficient energy, nutrition, and hydration between meals. Additionally, it is generally harder to incorporate enough dairy products and fruits into main meals, so giving babies healthy snacks can help achieve a balanced diet. Tips for Choosing Snacks Avoid High Salt and High Sugar High salt and high sugar snacks can easily lead to overweight and obesity in babies, increase the risk of tooth decay, and may make babies develop a preference for strong flavours, leading to picky eating habits as they grow. Even if the food contains artificial sweeteners (i.e., sugar substitutes), it can still cultivate a sweet tooth in babies. Moreover, high salt snacks can cause excessive sodium intake, leading to calcium loss through urine, affecting bone growth. According to the Department of Health and various recommendations from different regions, food for infants under one year old should not contain added salt. Additionally, high salt and high sugar snacks often contain trans fats, which can cause issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar. Parents should choose foods rich in dietary fibre, calcium, iron, and vitamin D. Smartly Read Product Ingredient Lists To choose healthy snacks for babies, parents need to learn how to read food ingredient lists. If the packaging of the snack does not provide sugar content (pre-packaged food for infant and young children under 36 months is not required to list sugar content on the nutrition label), how should parents choose? The ingredient list on food labels is arranged according to the amount of each ingredient, with the highest content listed first. Parents should pay attention to the top ingredients to see if they contain the following added sugars: Sugar, fructose, sucrose, lactose, rock sugar, brown sugar, black sugar, glucose, invert sugar, raw sugar, molasses, honey, maltose, malt syrup, syrup, high fructose syrup, corn syrup, maple syrup, concentrated fruit juice, concentrated cane juice Snacks without added sugar are ideal, and those with added sugar listed towards the end of the ingredient list can also be considered. Additionally, some foods may not list added salt but contain sodium bicarbonate (sodium bicarbonate/sodium hydrogen carbonate) as a raising agent, which increases the sodium content of the food. Parents should be aware of this. Consider Homemade Healthy Snacks Besides buying pre-packaged snacks, parents can consider making snacks at home. Using ingredients that are less commonly provided in main meals can help cultivate a child’s preference for a variety of natural foods and ensure they absorb different nutrients. When preparing snacks, parents should use fresh ingredients and avoid excessive seasoning. Examples of healthy snacks include oatmeal with milk, whole wheat sandwiches, congee such as congee with corn and chicken, congee with pumpkin and minced meat, and avocado rice cakes. Feeding Arrangements Supply Time: At least 1.5 hours between main meals to avoid affecting appetite for main meals. Serving Size: No more than 10% of the total daily energy and nutrient intake (about 30% for each of the three main meals). Safety Considerations: Avoid feeding honey (for children under one year old), caffeine, unpasteurised dairy products, and foods that can easily get stuck in the throat. Lastly, breast milk provides the best nutrition for babies. Mothers can consider continuing to breastfeed while introducing solid foods and snacks, until two years old or above, to enhance babies’ immunity. Disclaimer This article has been translated using artificial intelligence (AI) technology. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the translation, it may not be perfect and could contain errors or inaccuracies. The original article athttps://www.consumer.org.hk/tc/shopping-guide/tips/2022-tips-baby-snacksshould be referred to for the most accurate information. The Consumer Council does not assume any responsibility for any error, omission, or ambiguity in the translated content. If you have any question or concern about the translation, please refer to the original article or consult a professional translator.
- 2022.06
- Tips
- Home Appliances
【Tips on Cleaning Air Conditioners】What do you need to know before hiring someone to clean your air conditioner?
1. Factors Affecting the Air Conditioning Cleaning Fees For general households, window-type or split-type air conditioners are commonly used. In terms of basic fees, the cost for cleaning a window-type air conditioner is usually less than a split-type air conditioner. Other factors impacting the fees include the cooling capacity of the air conditioner, whether the location is remote, items included in the cleaning services (e.g. inspection and disinfection), parts that require repair, and whether the service date falls on the weekend or a public holiday. It is worth mentioning that if the indoor floor-to-ceiling height is too high, consumers may also need to bear the cost of using additional safety equipment. 2. Service Detail Furthermore, consumers should be aware of the various cleaning methods employed by different cleaning companies for window-type air conditioners, and the space required for the cleaning process. If there is not enough space, the machine may need to be dismantled and taken to the cleaning centre for cleaning (which may incur additional charges). Moreover, for split-type air conditioners, most cleaning companies only clean the interior unit of the machine as the external unit is usually located on the exterior wall of the building. If it needs to be cleaned, application to the building management office is required and scaffolding or blocking the road may be needed, which consumers would need to pay for that. Generally speaking, air conditioning cleaning companies will first inspect the air conditioner to ensure normal operation before cleaning. The consumer will be notified of any abnormalities found, and they will have to decide whether to proceed with the cleaning process. If the air conditioner still does not cool sufficiently or even has leakage after cleaning, some companies would offer free maintenance within a designated period. Consumers can also inquire about the related terms and conditions beforehand, such as compensation of any damages during the cleaning process. 3. Advance Preparations by Consumers If any abnormalities are detected in the air conditioner beforehand, it is suggested to arrange for on-site inspection by professionals before deciding whether to send it to a repair centre. Consumers should not attempt to disassemble the machine themselves. In addition, any items near the air conditioner should be removed before cleaning it. 4. Regular Maintenance Tips To have a more durable and long-lasting air conditioner, consumers should pay attention to the following tips for daily maintenance and cleaning: Dust filter The dust filter should be cleaned once or twice a month to effectively block the dust particles in the air and keep the air indoors fresh. Cooling evaporator The cooling evaporator of the air conditioner should be free from obstruction with the air flow outlet kept clear of miscellaneous household items. Temperature The temperature should be set at 25.5°C. A fan can be used alongside the air conditioner to facilitate air circulation, which can also reduce the burden of the air conditioner and save electricity. Turn off and cover the air conditioner If the air conditioner would not be used for a long time, remove the interior moisture with the fan function and then cover it properly. For more information, please refer to the article “Clean Air Conditioners Regularly to Save Energy and Protect the Environment” (Chinese version only) in Issue 523 of CHOICE Magazine. Further Reading: Choosing an Air Conditioner What should you pay attention to when buying an inverter air conditioner for your home? Check out the article “Saving Energy While Enjoying the Cool Breeze! 4 Tips on How to Select Inverter Type Air Conditioners”. Further Reading: Saving Electricity with Air Conditioning Running the air conditioner for extended periods will naturally increase your electricity bill. However, did you know that there are several details related to air conditioners that can also affect the electricity tariff? Find out more in the article “4 Key Tips to Enjoy the Cool Breeze Without Breaking the Bank?” . This article is translated into English. If there is any discrepancy, inconsistency or ambiguity between the Chinese version and its English translation, the Chinese version shall prevail. The Consumer Council will not accept any liability, obligation or responsibility whatsoever for any loss, destruction or damage (including without limitation consequential loss, destruction or damage) howsoever arising from or in respect of any use or misuse of or reliance on the Chinese version or its English translation delivered herein.
- 2022.01
- Tips
- Health and Beauty
Irradiation – Disinfect Without Harm?
Principle of UVC Disinfection Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can be divided into 3 categories, including long-wavelength ultraviolet (UVA), medium-wavelength ultraviolet (UVB), and short-wavelength ultraviolet (UVC). The shorter the wavelength, the higher the energy. The UV radiation emitted by portable UV disinfection devices is UVC. The UVC that comes from the sun cannot reach the Earth, but some artificial light sources such as welding, disinfection lamps, etc. can produce UVC. Long-wavelength ultraviolet (UVA) Medium-wavelength ultraviolet (UVB) Short-wavelength ultraviolet (UVC) Wavelength 315-400nm 280-315nm 100-280nm Characteristics It can pass through the ozone layer and reach Earth, transmit through glass windows to indoors and vehicles, causing body tanning. Over-exposure may cause skin deterioration and produce wrinkles. Severe exposure may lead to skin cancer. It is mostly absorbed by the ozone layer and only a small amount can reach Earth. It damages the skin’s DNA and causes sunburn, where severe exposure may lead to skin cancer. It is fully absorbed by the ozone layer and cannot reach Earth. According to studies, UVC with a wavelength of less than 280 nm can destroy the DNA or RNA molecular structure of bacteria and viruses, causing them to break down, losing the ability to reproduce and infect, therefore achieving the effect of sterilisation and disinfection. UVC disinfection is commonly used to inhibit the bacteria and viruses found in water, air, and the surface of objects. Choosing Products 1. Safety Prolonged exposure to UV radiation may cause damage to the skin and eyes, for instance, skin deterioration, increasing the risk of skin cancer and cataracts. Although the penetration depth of UVC is low and most of the UVC will be absorbed by the dead skin, however, if the body is in contact with UVC for a long time or at a high dosage, it can cause photokeratitis (similar to snow blindness) or cause redness and swelling or ulceration of the skin. Generally, accidental exposure to excessive UVC may have a short-term effect on the body, and there is no evidence showing that the use of UVC disinfection could increase the risk of skin cancer. However, when using UVC disinfection, it is still necessary to pay attention to the acute physical problems caused by short-term excessive exposure and avoid direct irradiation of the body, especially the eyes. Therefore, when choosing a portable UV disinfection device, its safety design is one of the important considerations. Handheld UV Disinfection Devices Less Safe The Council tested 8 of the common portable UVC disinfection devices on the market, of which 3 were box-type with enclosed designs, 4 were handheld designs, and 1 was a box design, but it can also be used in handheld mode. The results showed that the overall safety performance of the handheld disinfection devices is poor: UV Irradiation Measure the irradiance of UV radiation at the periphery of each model to assess whether the models may cause hazard to humans. For models tested in an enclosed environment (activated with lids closed), no UV radiation was detected in the surrounding area under normal use. However, when the lid of the box was accidentally opened during the disinfection process, the UV lamps of some models were still on, and the measured irradiance of UV radiation exceeded the upper limit of the standard. The measured irradiance of UV radiation of the handheld models was found to exceed the upper limit standard. Photobiological Safety To assess the hazard level of the emitted UV radiation from the models to skin and eyes, the Council also measured the effective irradiance at a distance of 200mm from the models and classified them into exempt, low, medium, and high-risk levels according to the allowable limits specified in the standard. The results showed that 3 handheld models and 1 box model with handheld mode were rated at high-risk level which means that burns and injuries to the skin and eyes may result from a short period of exposure to UV radiation emitted from these products. The other handheld model and 1 box-type model were rated at moderate risk, which may cause discomfort or burning reactions to the skin and eyes when exposed to the UV radiation from these products. Therefore, when selecting products, consumers should pay attention to their safety features: UV Position The UV lamp of the box model is generally located within the box enclosure, and in normal use, the user’s eyes and skin will not have access to the UV radiation emitted from the lamp. Safety Protection Sensor All handheld models have a safety sensor, and when the device is tilted up or tilted sideways to a specific angle, its UV lamp will automatically turn off to avoid the user or the surrounding crowd from being exposed to UV. Preset Operating Time The preset operation time of 4 box models and 1 handheld model is lower than the permissible time of exposure (the actual hazard posed by UV exposure is determined by its wavelength and intensity, and the time of exposure is also critical. The permissible time of exposure varies depending on the amount of effective irradiation and exposure limits. 1 handheld model allows the user to set the operating time manually (5, 10 and 15 minutes respectively), however, the settable operation time is much higher than its permissible time of exposure (30 seconds). 2. Disinfection Efficacy In addition to the safety of the product, the disinfection efficacy of the devices is also very important. Tests showed that most of the models had good bactericidal performance, but their ability to suppress viruses varies: Bactericidal Performance Staphylococcus aureusandKlebsiella pneumoniae were used as the testing bacteria of the test. The results showed that 3 box models and 1 handheld model had an average kill rate of the 2 testing bacteria models of 99.9% or above, among which 1 model if operated with a longer operation time (30 minutes), could reach an average kill rate of over 99.99%. However, the performances of the other 3 models were slightly inferior, and the average kill rate of the 2 testing bacteria ranged from 97.52% to 98.93%, which was slightly lower than claimed. Virucidal Performance Influenza A H1N1 was used as the testing virus. 2 handheld models had an outstanding performance in eliminating the testing virus, at a specific test distance and time, the viral infectivity was reduced by more than 99.99%. However, the performance of the 4 models was relatively inferior, and the infectivity of the testing virus was only inhibited by an average of 14.97% to 87.01%, and the virucidal performance was unsatisfactory. Product Usage Guide If you would like to use the products safely and effectively, view the following video with detailed consumer tips! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPbmOdCev7A Avoid Contact with UV Rays The UV radiation emitted by the product shall not reach the eyes and skin under any circumstances, especially when using handheld type devices. Both the users and the surrounding crowd must keep away from the UV light source and avoid staring at the light source. Avoid Children from Contact Products should be placed out of reach from children to prevent them from playing with these products and pointing the UV radiation towards themselves or their playmates’ eyes and skin, causing accidents. Location of UV Irradiation on Objects UVC has a low penetration depth and cannot penetrate through solid objects. Most UVC will be absorbed by plastic and glass, so it can only be used for surface disinfection. If the objects overlap, the hidden area cannot be disinfected by UVC. Simultaneously, when using a handheld disinfection device to disinfect an object with a large surface area (such as computer keyboards, tablets, door handles, etc.), with the need to disinfect each small area by irradiation, there are chances of misses. The user may not have enough patience and only casually sweep the disinfection device over the surface of the object, in which the irradiation period is insufficient, or the distance is not close enough to achieve complete disinfection. Use on Smooth, Non-porous Surfaces UVC disinfects on smooth and non-porous surfaces achieves a better disinfection performance. Bacteria and viruses may hide in gaps or in between fibres, they cannot be directly exposed to UVC. If UVC disinfection technology is applied to some objects with rough or porous surfaces, or objects with dirt, grease, skin dandruff and other pollutants on the surface, the disinfection efficacy will also be relatively low. When using such products to disinfect objects with uneven surfaces, it is necessary to place the device as close to the objects to be disinfected as practicable and keep it for a certain period of time to allow better disinfection performance. Ultraviolet Rays Accelerate the Deterioration of Plastics Not all objects are suitable for disinfection by UVC, such as plastic products, especially polypropylene (PP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), rubber etc. If they are exposed to UVC for a long time, the deterioration of the material will be sped up, resulting in deformation, brittleness, discolouration and so on. UV rays may also cause colour changes on the surface of wall paint, photos, clothing, fabrics, and other surfaces. In addition, consumers should also avoid using direct UVC lights on plants so as not to affect their growth. Beware of Lifetime of Lamps When the product has been used for a long time, the intensity of the UV lamp may not be strong for disinfection, so consumers should pay heed to whether the product information indicates the lifetime of the UV lamp. Users should also regularly clean the dirt on the surface of the UV lamp or LED so as not to affect its intensity. In summary, the Council recommends that consumers should only treat the portable UV disinfection device as an aid of disinfection and should not over rely on their disinfection efficacy. Improper use of such products is more likely to pose a potential hazard to the skin and eyes. In fact, it is fast and effective to use diluted bleach or alcohol at a concentration of about 75% to disinfect frequently used objects and there is no fear of missing any gaps in disinfection. Proper hand washing and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers after touching public objects are also effective measures to prevent the spread of viruses. To find out the best UV disinfection, download the 532 issue of CHOICE Monthly Magazine: ‘Half of Portable UV Disinfection Device at High Risk; Beware of Damage to Skin and Eyes' (Chinese version only). Extended Reading: Latest Summary on Effectiveness of Anti-epidemic Tools Although new COVID-19 vaccines have been introduced, the pandemic has not completely disappeared, and with the emergence of mutant viruses, we must always be vigilant. Read ‘Adapting to New Normal: Latest Summary on Effectiveness of 3 Anti-epidemic Tools’ (Chinese version only) now to find out which anti-epidemic products on the market can effectively protect yourselves.
- 2022.01
- Tips
- Home Appliances
Useful Tips on Washing Machines: How to Make Them Last Longer?
5 ways to take good care of your washing machine Do not overload When the washing machine spins, the wet clothes in the drum will generate a strong centrifugal force. If you overload the machine, the drum will vibrate strongly, making the mechanical parts more prone to damage. Sundries such as coins and keys should also be removed before washing. Lower the spinning speed If the spinning speed is adjustable and time permits, it is recommended to set the spinning speed to < 1,200 rpm to reduce the chance of mechanical damage and wear and tear on clothes. At the same time, it is best to wash clothes at a lower temperature setting. If there are no children at home, the door of the washing machine should be left open after washing to prevent moisture build-up. Do not use laundry detergent spontaneously You should read the instructions on the packaging to determine the appropriate amount of laundry detergent to be used. Avoid using excessive amount to prevent foam build-up which may affect the operation of the machine. In addition, the detergent compartment should also be cleaned regularly to avoid the accumulation of chemical agents and affecting the operation. It is worth noting that some tests have showed that laundry liquid is easier to dissolve than powder and can deliver a better cleaning performance. It is also less harsh on the fabrics and leaves less residues on the drum. Clean the filter and drum regularly You should remove the small fibres caught on the lint filter regularly to prevent blockage of the drain hose. Furthermore, after the washing machine has been used for a period of time, dirt and residual detergent will build up in the hard-to-reach areas of the drum and may affect the cleaning performance of the machine. Some washing machines have a "drum cleaning" programme. Consumers can follow the instructions in the user’s manual and run it at least once a month. Some instructions recommend adding washing machine drum cleaner (which is available in household stores or supermarkets) to enhance the cleaning effect. Even if the washing machine does not have a "drum cleaning" programme, consumers can still clean the drum by regularly running a wash cycle at a high-temperature setting (if available) with an empty drum (i.e., without any clothes and detergent). Check the door and hose regularly You should check the rubber gasket of a front-loading washing machine regularly and remove any dust and debris that have been built up. If the washing machine takes longer than usual to fill up with water, you should check if the inlet hose and the filter are blocked. Manufacturers should design products that are easy to carry out repair and maintenance No matter how durable it is, a washing machine may still break down after years of usage. If the machine can be easily repaired, it will help in extending its useful life. For example, a design that enables easy removal of the outer casing and replacement of the faulty parts without the need of special tools; or a more flexible freestanding design that allows the detergent dispenser / hose to be removed more easily. Furthermore, according to a survey conducted by the Council, a few respondents indicated that they had experienced problems with the preset programmes of their washing machines / washer-dryers, reflecting that although smart functions make the operation more convenient, they may also affect the durability of the machines. Pay attention to after-sales service With comprehensive after-sales services, consumers will be more willing to repair their washing machines, which will help prolong the machines’ useful lives and reduce burden on the landfill. However, consumers should pay attention to the details of after-sales services to avoid potential disputes: 1. Time limit on free replacement If the new washing machine breaks down immediately after purchase, many brands will provide free replacement within a specified time limit after verification by a repairman. However, it should be noted that the validity period of some brands can be as short as 7 days from the date of purchase. If the delivery and installation take time, this deadline may be missed when the machine is turned on for the first time. Therefore, consumers should pay attention to this issue. 2. Pay attention to the definition of ‘whole machine warranty’ The definition of ‘whole machine’ in the warranty generally does not cover the outer casing, door, rubber gasket, hose and problems caused by installation. Therefore, damages to the body and door, or problems caused by improper installation are usually not covered by the warranty. Consumers should check the scope of the warranty before purchasing. 3. Onsite inspection fee If consumers live in remote areas, outlying islands or restricted areas, they usually have to pay onsite inspection fees, transportation costs, or have the machines sent to designated sites for repair. 4. Commitment on repair and maintenance When a new model is introduced, older models and their spare parts will gradually discontinue. Consumers may be forced to discard a faulty machine due to lack of parts. Consumers should pay attention to whether the brand has relevant policies to ensure continual maintenance 5 to 10 years after the product is launched and supply of spare parts for say 3 to 10 years after the product is discontinued. The Producer Responsibility Scheme on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment If consumers need to dispose of their old washing machines, they may make good use of the Producer Responsibility Scheme on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WPRS) by calling the recycling hotline of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD). WPRS covers 8 types of regulated electrical equipment (REE) including washing machines, refrigerators, televisions, air-conditioners, computers, printers, scanners and monitors, which account for approximately 85% of all electrical and electronic products in Hong Kong. These products contain chemical substances and heavy metals. If discarded or disassembled improperly, they may put the public and recycling workers at risk. Therefore, the EPD has set up a hotline (2676 8888) for the free recycling of REE. The public can call and book the recycling service. This service covers Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories. Even if you live on the top floor of a tenement building, or in a remote or rural area, you can still use this service. For more information, please refer to special feature ‘Maintenance of Washing Machines’ (Chinese version only) in issue #472 of CHOICE Magazine. Further reading: How to choose a washing machine Front-loading type, European top-loading type or impeller-type? Which washing machine is the best in terms of water and energy saving? Is there always a trade-off between water and energy saving? To answer these questions, you can refer to the article ‘Washing Machines: Can They Save Water and Energy At the Same Time?’ Further reading: Do you need to use fabric softener in every wash? Many consumers like to use fabric softener to make their clothes soft and fragrant. However, do you know that fabric softener should not be used on certain fabrics. In dry seasons, clothes with fabric softeners may cause allergies. To learn more on fabric softener, please refer to the article ‘Trivia Facts About Fabric Softener: Suitable for All Clothing? Can you DIY?’ (Chinese version only).
- 2022.01
- Trivia
- Home Appliances
- Tech-savvy
Trivia Facts About Refrigerators: Frost-Free Models May Not Be Suitable for All? Learn More About Where to Place Various Food Items
Direct cool vs. frost-free refrigerators Direct cool refrigerators are also known as conventional ‘frosty’ refrigerators. Moisture condenses continuously on the cold coils (evaporator) to form frost inside this type of refrigerators. As for frost-free refrigerators, a special built-in heating element melts the accumulating frost regularly. As such, users do not need to defrost manually. Frost-free refrigerators may not be suitable for all? Although frost-free refrigerators can defrost automatically and are more convenient, they also have certain limitations. Users should consider the following aspects to assess whether frost-free refrigerators are suitable for their homes. Home environment Frost-free refrigerators are generally larger in size with 2 or more doors. They may not be suitable for smaller living space. Level of moisture vaporization of food items When moisture of the food items stored inside the refrigerator vaporizes, it will add to frosting. Using a frost-free refrigerator is therefore more convenient in such situation! On the other hand, if the items you store do not vaporize a lot, e.g., Tetra Pack beverages, then the speed of frost formation will be lower and the chance of severe frost accumulation will also be smaller. Budget Frost-free refrigerators are generally more expensive. In addition, as the defrosting function consumes more energy, the electricity costs of running frost-free refrigerators are generally higher. Inverter refrigerators Inverter refrigerators are becoming more available nowadays, and they are generally more energy efficient. However, this technology is mainly used in refrigerators of larger size. For example, in the test conducted, 5 invertor refrigerators were all of larger size and frost-free models. And the smaller size direct cool refrigerators were all of fixed-speed compressor type. What are the main points for comparison? Apart from size, energy efficiency and price, consumers may also consider the following aspects when making comparisons across different refrigerator models: Freezing and cooling capacities If you want to chill or freeze your food and drinks quickly, you will need to choose a refrigerator with good freezing and cooling capacities. Taking the cooling capacity as an example, the time taken for some test samples to drop from room temperature to 10°C could range from 2.9 hours to 6.7 hours. In addition, some models may have a ‘fast freeze’ function, giving it a superior freezing capacity. Coldness preservation efficacy In the event of a power outage or temporary suspension, the coldness preservation efficacy of a refrigerator becomes very important. In the test conducted, the time taken for the freezer compartment to rise from -18 °C to -9°Cranged from 3 to 12.5 hours. Reserve capacity It refers to the rate at which the inside temperature of a refrigerator drops to a standard level when the unit is put in an extremely hot environment. In the test conducted, one model failed to bring the average temperature of the fresh food compartment down to 8°C after 23 hours, causing the test to halt. Do you know where to put your food items? Normally, people just randomly put their food items inside the refrigerator wherever they see space. In fact, temperature varies in different areas of the refrigerator. As food items may have different storage requirements, it is best to store them according to the following recommendations, e.g., fresh meat should be stored in a cooler section such as next to the fan holes; eggs should not be stored in the freezer, etc. Tips on defrosting Have you got all the necessary tools to do your defrosting job, e.g., screwdrivers and a hair dryer? Hold on! Read the following tips first: Turn the power off Unplug the unit from the power source and remove food items that need to be stored at lower temperatures. Open the refrigerator doors to make defrosting faster. Don’t rely on sharp objects / hairdryers Scraping ice inside the refrigerator with sharp objects may damage the refrigerant ducts. At the same time, attempts to melt ice with hairdryers can be counter-productive as they may deform the plastic parts inside the refrigerator. Prepare towels / old newspapers Towels and old newspapers can be very handy to soak up the excess water that overflows from the bottom tray during defrosting. Keep away from sources of heat Although the living space in Hong Kong is generally small and the kitchen space is also limited, you should still pay attention to the placement of the refrigerator, and should not choose a site too close to the stove. Take the models tested by the Consumer Council as an example, they all used R600a (isobutane) as the refrigerant and insulation materials containing cyclopentane, which were all inflammable substances. Lighting a flame near them would greatly increase fire risks! For more information, please refer to the article ‘Mid and Small-Size Refrigerators with High Energy Efficiency. Pros and Cons of Frost-Free and Direct Cool Models´ (Chinese version only) in issue #538 of CHOICE Magazine. Further reading: Some energy-saving tips on refrigerators After selecting a good refrigerator, you need to know how to use it properly, so that you can effectively save energy (and greatly reduce your electricity bills)! You may watch the video ‘The Energy-Saving Tips on Refrigerators´(Chinese version only) and start applying those tips!
