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SCMP Reporter

Fat makes up almost half of a Big Mac sold in Hong Kong, while McDonald's French fries contain at least 40 per cent fat, a Consumer Council survey has found.

 Burgers and French fries were tested for fat and sodium, and pizzas for sodium in Hong Kong and 17 countries for an international study.

 The results varied from country to country, despite the products coming from branches of the same outlets.

 McDonald's serves 600,000 customers at 158 outlets in Hong Kong each day, and four out of the world's 10 busiest branches are in the SAR.

 Burgers tested from Wendy's, Hardee's and McDonald's contained at least 35 per cent fat, often higher if there were more toppings. The Big Mac contained 40 to 45 per cent fat.

 The worst offender was Hardee's Frisco Burger, with more than 45 per cent fat.

 Wendy's and Hardee's burgers contained beef and pork, and all burger patties included fillers and starches.

 'Local hamburgers that come with just one or a few toppings were . . . rated acceptable to good in respect of fat content,' said Dr Lo Chi-kin, spokesman for the Consumer Council. 'But those with more toppings were rated poor or very poor.'  Sodium levels of the McDonald's burgers tested ranged from 350 to 499mg per 100 grams - lower than the amounts released in McDonald's own literature, where it ranges from 580mg to more than 1,000.

 French fries from McDonald's and Hardee's contained more than 40 per cent fat absorbed from cooking oil, which research has shown is linked to increased risk of heart disease.

 'The results are less than reassuring,' said Dr Lo. 'Parents are advised to exercise supervision over their children who consume burger set meals habitually.

 'A burger with thick toppings, French fries and a soft drink have a high total fat content of about 50 per cent of the recommended daily intake, and the calories and sodium of the set meal exceeds one-third of those recommended daily intake for most children, teenage girls, active women and sedentary men.'  A McDonald's spokesman said customers were advised in nutrition leaflets available at its outlets not to eat fast-food to excess.

 Pizza samples taken from three international chains also contained twice the recommended daily intake of sodium in just two pieces.

 Domino's Super Deluxe, Pizza Hut's Super Supreme and Spaghetti House's Jumbo Deluxe had a sodium content of more than 45 per cent, and an average fat content of about 35 to 39 per cent.

 Dr Lo said a traditional dim sum meal contained more fat and calories than pizza, but less than a burger set meal.

 'However, if one chose dim sum wisely, to eliminate those fried or pan-fried items, the calories and fat may be reduced substantially, by 40 per cent.' 



Fast-food fat offenders targeted