Rice noodles, often seen as healthier staple food, has come under close scrutiny by Hong Kong Consumer Council recently.
In a recent study, the consumer watchdog found seven out of 23 samples, including vermicelli and mixian noodles, to exceed the sodium content declared on their nutrition labels. Lui Wing-cheong, Vice-Chairman of the council said this could cause consumers to be consuming more sodium than what they have planned in their diet.
A sample of Tapioca Rice Sticks from Vietnam-based Bich Chi Food Company had a sodium content 41 times more than what was declared. Its label indicated the product contained 10mg of sodium per 100g, however tests showed the actual amount was 400mg. Another brand from the same company, Bich Chi Vina Noodle, also had sodium content about 30 times higher than stated.
The council has passed the relevant data to the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) for follow-up action. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a daily sodium intake of less than 2,000mg for adults. Lui also reminded consumers that many noodle products came with additional flavourings such as seasoning and sauce sachets which could increase the salt, fat and sugar intake.
Meanwhile, the importer of Bich Chi noodles said the problem was caused by labelling discrepancies due to differences between exported and domestic versions of the product. The information on the packaging was also not updated in time, causing differences in the nutritional values.
The consumer watchdog also found that more than 70% of the 23 samples had discrepancies between their labels and nutrient contents and did not comply with CFS requirements.
The council received 23 complaints on rice noodles last year, a 64% rise from 14 complaints in 2020. The reasons for the complaints were mainly on the quality of the noodles for example, it was found to be moldy or have unpleasant odour/smell. In addition, some rice noodle packs were found to be opened or expired.
