90 Percent of Margarine Spreads Tested Contain Carcinogens

Earth Balance exceeds EU standard by 50 percent

Consumer Council found over 90% of 28 samples of pre-packed butter, margarine and spreads contain genotoxic carcinogens.the Consumer Council of Hong Kong

Butter is essential for pastry baking and cuisine cooking. The Consumer Council in Hong Kong has undertaken tests on 28 samples of butter, margarine, and spreads and found over 80 percent of margarine and spreads contain toxic 3-monochloroproanediol (3-MCPD). One even contains the highest amount allowed, 1,200 micrograms per kilogram. Fortunately, none of the samples exceeded the upper limit of the European (EU) Standard. Normal consumption should not pose a health risk.

Results found that the 12 samples of butter are not contaminated with chemicals but total fat, saturated fatty acids, and trans fatty acids are relatively large in amount. The brands of butter tested were: Pauls Australian Butter (Unsalted), Daisy, Lactima, Lurpak, Avonmore, Heritage, French Président, Devondale, M&S Food Organic British Salted Butter, Topvalu 100% Hokkaido Milk Butter Mini Pack with salt, Coles Organic Salted Butter, Anchor,

Among the 16 samples of margarine and spreads containing vegetable oils, the content of mono or poly-unsaturated fatty acids is relatively high. Toxic 3-MCPD was detected in 13 of these samples. Daisy Butter Blend Spread (Salted) was the only spread rated as similar to butter.

A genotoxic carcinogen, glycidol, was found in 15 samples, over 90 percent of the margarine and spreads samples tested. Among them, Earth Balance Original Buttery Spread, contains 1,200 micrograms per kilogram of 3-MCPD and 1,500 micrograms per kilogram glycidol, with the latter exceeding half of the upper limit of EU standard. Foreign studies have shown that excessive intake of 3-MCPD not only impairs kidney function and the central nervous system but may also affect the male reproductive system. Additionally, another genetic carcinogen, benzo[a]pyrene, was found in Snow Brand margarine, with an amount of 0.8 microgram per kilogram, which complies with Hong Kong’s current and EU standards.

The margarine brands tested include: Earth Balance Original Buttery Spread, Président Ambassador Culinary Fat Blend (Unsalted), Laburnum Vegetable Fat Spread, OraSi Vegetable fat for spread 70% Margarina, Lurpak Spreadable, Constantia Garlic Margarine, Marin Food Garlic Margarine, Olive Grove Classic Spread Butter, Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, Snow Brand Premium Vegetable Butter, Benecol Buttery Spread Origina, Meiji Butter Soft, Flora Light Spread, Meadows Spread with Sunflower Oil.

The Consumer Council also examined the nutrition labels of the 28 samples and found that the nutritional values from the labels are not consistent with those obtained from laboratory testing.

The actual amount of saturated fatty acids in two samples and trans fatty acids in six samples showed a difference of more than 20 percent from the labeled value, which does not meet the regulatory tolerance limit of Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety.

Furthermore, the values of trans fatty acids of two samples and sodium content of two samples are not consistent with the nutrition information on the labels indicating “0” of these contents. Another two samples do not indicate the presence of trans fatty acids or show any waiver on the packaging.

The Consumer Council urged manufacturers or distributors to rectify errors in labeling information that may mislead consumers to purchase unsuitable food products, especially for those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes.