Consumer Council conducted a test on sausages to compare their ingredients of protein, starch, as well as the contents of nitrite, etc.. Test results show that all samples are satisfactory and the complete report can be found in the latest issue of Consumer Report. The test on sausages by the Council reviews that the quality of this kind of food product is determined by the contents ratio of protein. The less protein it contains, the more starch will be added and the texture of the food will be affected. Test results review that the amount of protein contained is not reflected in the prices of the products, consumers may refer to the report to see which sample is the ‘best buy’ for them. The Council also examined the contents of nitrite in the sausage samples. Nitrite is a carcinogen, China’s national standard GB/T20712-2006 states that the amount of nitrite contained should not be over 30mg/1kg. All tested samples are satisfactory but the contents of nitrite vary from 3.4mg/kg to 14mg/kg. Moreover, the contents of potassium also vary significantly. Consumers International (CI)’s Director General, Amanda Long, visited Consumer Council earlier. Ms. Long praised the work of the Council, especially its Consumer Arbitration Centre and ‘Certified Shop’ mechanism; she also expressed her support in the Council’s work to help build a platform for consumer protection among the cross-strait four regions. A detailed coverage of Ms. Long’s visit and an introduction to CI are included in the current issue of Consumer Report. Taiwan’s ‘Consumer Protection Law’ was amended earlier this June, some of the amendments are featured in this issue for consumers’ reference. Consumer Report is now available free of charge at the Consumer Council (Av. Horta e Costa, N.º 24-A, Edf. Cheung Heng, R/C), and the service counter of the Council at Macao SAR Government Service Centre (Rua Nova da Areia Preta, Nº52), Public Information Centre at Vicky Plaza, libraries and bookstores. Consumers may also access the magazine online on the Council’s official website (http://www.consumer.gov.mo) and its WeChat official account. For enquiries, please call 8988 9315.
