Cancer-causing substance found in Bee Cheng Hiang bak kwa but Singapore Food Agency say no worries
Mar 20, 2023 | 🚀 Fathership AI
The Consumer Council in Hong Kong recently released a study on processed meat snacks and found high levels of potentially carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in 13 samples. Here are the salient details:
- Bee Cheng Hiang's sliced beef bak kwa had the highest levels of PAHs.
- PAHs are formed during the cooking process and are found in smoke that settles on the meat surface.
- The level of PAHs in Bee Cheng Hiang's bak kwa exceeded the suggested EU limit of 12 micrograms at 18.2 micrograms per kilogram.
- The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) conducted its own assessment and said there is no health risk when consumed in moderation and "not in large quantities, on a regular basis".
- Bee Cheng Hiang assured that their bak kwa is compliant with SFA's food safety requirements and safe for consumption.
- Bak kwa is a popular snack in Singapore and generally high in fat and sugar content, making it an unhealthy snack even without the added carcinogens.
