On July 18, the Hong Kong Consumer Council released the findings on 30 packaged pickled vegetable products, some of which are available in the American market. It has raised concerns about the safety and quality of some packaged pickled vegetable products with high sodium content.
The Consumer Council examined 30 packaged pickled vegetable samples, including kimchi, German sauerkraut, cucumber, mustard greens, radish, and olives. While pickled vegetables offer dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial probiotics due to the fermentation process, the study revealed some troubling findings.
One major concern is the high sodium content found in over 85 percent of the tested samples. Regular consumption of high-sodium foods can increase the risk of hypertension and other related health issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends adults consume less than 2,000 milligrams of sodium daily, approximately equivalent to 5 grams of table salt (a little less than one teaspoon). Among the tested samples, 26 were classified as “high-sodium” foods, containing sodium levels ranging from 641 to 3,080 milligrams per 100 grams….