Macao and Shenzhen co-tested chopping board

Chopping board is an essential household item, the Macao and Shenzhen Consumer Council conducted a test on chopping board together and test results of the tested 15 samples are satisfactory.

Joint testing to enhance consumer safety and confidence

In order to match with the trend of interactive consumption among residents in the Greater Bay Area as well as popularization of online shopping, the Macao Consumer Council continues to carry out joint testing with consumer organizations in the Greater Bay Area to enhance protection of consumer safety and consumer confidence.

The two Consumer Councils collected 15 samples of chopping boards made with bamboo, wood, and plastic to carry out the testing on various aspects.

As there is no mandatory standard for quality of chopping boards in the Mainland, the current test quoted relevant standards in China, European Union and other places to test chopping boards made with three different kinds of materials simultaneously or separately for their contents of preservatives, migration of formaldehyde and heavy metals, etc. All samples tested pass the relevant safety standards; certain testing criteria such as odor and fading only apply to the testing of plastic chopping boards and results of the tested 8 samples are satisfactory.

Replace chopping board after two years

The hygienic condition of chopping boards after using for a certain period is worth attention, the current test collected some samples which have been used for both less than and more than two years to test their contents of Escherichia coli, total number of bacteria, mold and four other common pathogenic bacteria to make comparisons available for consumers. The report suggests consumers to replace chopping boards every two years.

The said test is now featured in the latest issue no. 330 Consumer Report.

Monitoring on accuracy of fuel meters at petrol stations 

The Consumer Council and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) completed the accuracy test of fuel meters at petrol stations for the year 2020 earlier, petrol station operators are requested to enhance monitoring on the facilities to ensure stability and accuracy of fuel meters.

The latest Consumer Report features the first meeting of the Directive Council of the Macao Consumer Mediation and Arbitration Centre, a talk hosted for local organizations regarding the reminders and risks involved in purchasing properties overseas, a “Consumer Alert” about a food outlet not providing change to consumers, and an introduction to consumers’ right to use coins.

Consumers may access the magazine on the Council’s official website and WeChat official account. Consumer Report is also available free of charge at the Council (Av. Horta e Costa, N.º 26, Edf. Clementina Ho), and the service counter of the Council at Macao SAR Government Service Centre (Rua Nova da Areia Preta, Nº52), Public Information Centre at Vicky Plaza, libraries, and bookstores.

For enquiry, please call 8988 9315.

Date:2021-03-08