Guangdong and Macao Consumer Council recently conducted a test on biscuits, pastries and extruded foods, result showed that 4 out of 50 samples collected in Guangdong province were tested unsatisfactory while all 20 samples collected in Macao complied with the testing standards.

Macao Consumer Council, in collaboration with Guangdong Consumer Council, conducted a test on biscuits, pastries, and extruded foods in late 2011 to early 2012, taking 50 samples from Guangdong province and 20 samples from Macao. The two Councils tested the mentioned food products in 16 criteria, including their acid value, peroxide value, amount of bacteria contained, coliform bacteria, molds, sulfur dioxide, aluminum, saccharin sodium, cyclamate, acesulfame-K, benzoic acid, sorbic acid, protein, fat, vitamin C and product label, etc. All tests were conducted according to standards adopted nationally and within the industry.

Since different regulations are being used in Guangdong and Macao regarding the labeling of pre-packed foods, the 20 samples collected locally were compared with the labeling regulation used in Macao instead of the one adopted in mainland China.

To sum up, only 4 samples (all collected in Guangdong) out of the total 70 samples collected failed the test; all samples collected in Macao were satisfactory; overall passing rate was almost 95%.

Manufacturers of the said failing products had been requested by Guangdong Consumer Council to improve the quality of foods, while Macao Consumer Council calls on businesses to ensure the safety and hygienic condition of all products, as well as to comply with the food labeling regulation.