Thursday, October 25, 2012

Korea instant noodles were recalled ...... again

Instant noodle products from South Korea are always our favorite. Many of us like it especially during cold weather. However, six products are recalled again from few countries include Taiwan and Malaysia. Apparently, the products are made by the company name Nongshim. It is believed that benzopyrene is found in these 6 products which is one of the cause substance for cancer. More information and test results will be announced soon but in the meantime, consumers must take attention on the following product.

neoguri noodles seafood and spicy



Neoguri seafood & mild noodles

Monday, October 15, 2012

Biscuit (Original vs Less Sweet)

When you are pushing a trolley in a market and pass through biscuit department, you might find a brand which offers a biscuit package but in 2 different types - Original and Less Sweet.


One of the example is "Chips more" by Kraft. According to the nutrition facts, it shows 2 pieces of original flavor chipsmore provide 110Kcal with 15.8g sugar (>3tsp) and 4.6g fat.  Whereas for less sweet. chipsmore provide 98Kcal with 6.5g sugar (>1tsp) and 4.3g fat. It show that less sweet product provide 50% lesser of sugar compare to its original. Thus, to prevent consuming much of sugar, less sweet should be a better choice compare its original.

另一种巧克力饼干,不仅小孩子喜欢,也同时受到大人们的青睐。我从他们的网站搜索后,我意识到有较少的巧克力类型。据营养表,它显示了2件原味chipsmore15.8克糖(3茶匙)和4.6克脂肪提供110Kcal。另一方面,少甜chipsmore提供98Kcal6.5克糖(1茶匙)和4.3克脂肪。这表明真的少甜款的会比原味的还要少糖>50%。因此,要防止摄入太多的糖份,少甜款的饼干,应该是一个更好的选择。

I hope through more examples and advice, we as a consumer will choose food products wiser. TV ads maybe attractive, word of mouth maybe influential, but the true facts of the food won't lie.

Friday, October 5, 2012

A Selfless Father

I was thinking to post another product nutrition facts tonight. However, I would like to share a story happened today which is quite touching.

I followed up a diet of a kid (an anemia patient) today. His father was asking me recommendation about extra nutrition drinks for his son. As usual, I checked his son's report and recommended his father to buy a packet of milk for his son each day and buy milk powder for his son when he is discharged next week (I even showed the image of the product through my smartphone) which cost about RM1.60. I will take more samples for his son later after lunch even my sample is limited. "Okay, thank you. I will buy right away." he thanked me.

Around 2.30p.m. when I passed by the ward to pass his son the samples, I saw the kid holding a 1L bottle of milk (instead of just a packet milk as I suggested), and his father quickly stood up and asked me "Is this the correct product? I am thinking to buy a larger one but I only have RM5 today to spend". I was stunned right away. Totally speechless. The father continued sat beside the son (son is only able to speak native language), watching the person he loved most, and the bottle of milk means a lot to the wonderful bond the both have. The father doesn't read much words but he is a very polite guy, listening to the doctor or dietitian advice patiently, calm and strong (2 hours journey from their home to the hospital).

I slowly walked away from the ward, back to my office and had a little thought. My mind was blank as I was thinking if I can spare more food and resources to the patients that need most, unfortunately each person can only has limited resources. It was a heavy walk from my office to my car park after work. I hope the incident I faced today won't happen anymore with more care from our society. :(

P.S. The conversation is actually in Malay because he is 'Orang Asli'