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,…