Wrong.

The Hong Kong Consumer Council claims it has found cancer-causing substances in 60 samples of biscuits and crackers sold on the local market that it tested.

The council said it found cancer-causing elements like glycidol and acrylamide, which are by-products created when ingredients are heated at high temperatures to make biscuits and crackers.

In a statement posted on its website, it said tests showed the glycidol content to be between 11 microgrammes (mcg/kg) and 3,900 mcg/kg.

The council said 11 samples did not have glycidol and acrylamide, saying that was proof that biscuits and crackers could be made without such contaminants.

The council also found high levels of 3-MCPD in 56 samples. 3-MCPD is said to adversely affect kidneys and male fertility.

The council said it also found high sodium, sugar and fat in 85% of the samples. Nutrition labels were also found to be inaccurate in 40% of the samples tested.

Out of 18 samples of high-fibre type biscuits, only three met the levels of actual dietary fibre.

“However, consumers should be mindful that even for the cracker sample with the highest fibre content (10.3g per 100g), one must consume 11 pieces in order to meet half of the recommended daily intake (not less than 25g) for adults.

“But that would also result in a considerable sugar, sodium and fat intake.

“As such, consumers should not rely on products labelled as ‘high fibre’ as the main source of dietary fibre intake,” the council said.

The council urged all to eat biscuits and crackers sparingly, and consider eating fresh fruits, unsalted roasted nuts and other healthier options when snacking.

Radio station BFM 89.9 tweeted that one of the 60 samples tested by the council was a Malaysian brand cracker which was also sold locally, citing a South China Morning Post report.

The station also tweeted a quote from the council saying that cancerous contaminants could be avoided.