Beer sample tests reveal biogenic amines, high calorie count

The Consumer Council said different types and contents of biogenic amines were detected in all canned and bottled beer samples.

The consumer watchdog tested 30 samples of prepackaged canned or bottled beer - with the prices ranged from HK$4.5 to HK$50 and volumes ranged from 330 ml to 500 ml. The labeled alcohol by volume (ABV) ranged from 3 percent to 8 percent.

Tests mainly examined the samples' nutritional value, safety, and quality.

All samples were found to have varying degrees of biogenic amines. Biogenic amines are by-products of the alcohol fermentation process and are generally considered key indicators of the quality, safety, and hygiene of alcoholic beverages. 

Among them, two models had relatively high levels of biogenic amine, and with one sample even containing seven different variants.

Excessive intake of biogenic amines may cause headaches, dizziness, vomiting, respiratory distress, and even cerebral hemorrhage. 

A sample was found to contain the mycotoxin DON, which is known to cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever within 30 minutes after excessive intake, causing adverse effects on health.

The consumer watchdog also found that one can or bottle of beer may contain more than 200 kcal, nearly the same energy as a bowl of rice. If one drinks an average of two cans daily, they will gain five pounds of fat in two months.

It was also found that the higher the alcohol concentration, the higher the caloric intake.

In the test, the alcohol concentration marked on the six samples was quite different from the test results. Consumers may not be able to accurately choose products with fewer calories based solely on the alcohol concentration marked on the product.

The Council recommended that manufacturers carefully select high-quality, purified, and well-stored raw materials to brew beer and reminds consumers to avoid long-term excessive alcohol intake.