Jerky findings sure to gnaw at consumers

Two out of five meat jerky, meat floss and meat crisps contain carcinogenic contaminants that could increase cancer risk, the Consumer Council says.

Thirty samples of dried meat snacks bought at retail outlets for HK$11.50 to HK$170 per packet were tested between October and November last year.

A potential contaminant, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, was found in more than 40 percent of the samples, including nine pork jerky and four beef jerky packets.

Malaysian brand Bee Cheng Hiang's barbecued beef jerky was detected with the highest PAHs content of 18.2 micrograms per kilogram, exceeding the European Union's limit by 50 percent.

The council's Victor Lui urged manufacturers to review their products regularly. He added: "Consumers should also think twice before consuming dried meat snacks and other barbecued meat and remove burned parts before consumption."

People are recommended to avoid eating crispy sliced pork by Lim Jing Hieng from Thailand as the council found a banned veterinary drug, furazolidone metabolite.

The council also urged manufacturers to be more vigilant and "to step up testing to ensure their products meet local regulatory requirements," Lui said.