Keeping the consumer informed
WE ALL KNOW the world can be a dangerous place with the mix of pesticides, chemicals, additives and general pollutants that have become a part of our environment.
The good news is that scientific advances and new processes have made it easier to test everything we come into contact with, which has led to a professional sector that offers expert analysis and certification services.
Stories about vegetables contaminated with pesticides and chemicals being used in fish farming have hit the headlines recently. Such news items have put product-testing services in the spotlight and focused attention on the array of tests and certificates available to guarantee quality or commercial reliability.
China Dragon Inspection and Certification (HK) is one of many companies now engaged in such work. It specialises in testing to verify labels for toys, cosmetics, food, chemicals and certain hazardous items. Much of the work involves mainland imports and exports.
'Many brand-name companies around the world want to export to China,' said technical director Andy Ko Kwok-on. 'They appoint us to test for and list the nutritional and chemical content of products, and provide accurate labels with relevant details.'
Much of the day-to-day work involves resolving linguistic and cultural differences.
'Most people in China have no idea what something like Coca-Cola is, so we itemise the contents to make clear what the bottle contains,' Mr Ko said.
Another example of a 'difficult product' is the mooncake. Before exporting, manufacturers must attach labels with details about the ingredients.
In international terms, testing firms are getting more involved in the environmental control of hazardous substances. A directive for restricting hazardous substances came into force in July this year. 'Manufacturers and distributors must ensure that products do not contain four dangerous metals [lead, mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium] and two kinds of flame retardant,' Mr Ko said. 'We do the checking for these materials. Only then can we provide a certificate.'
The new directive applies to household items such as toasters, coffee makers, air conditioners, computers and refrigerators. China Dragon has hired more staff to cope with the extra work.
Inquiries about the use of chemicals in certain mainland products are on the rise.
'Many importers want to know if there is a simple test to identify substances such as pesticides in vegetables,' Mr Ko said. 'They want quick and easy results, so I explain that we have to apply complex testing procedures, which take time.'
The increased demand for product-testing services is creating jobs, in particular for laboratory technicians. Employers are looking for candidates with qualifications in chemistry, food technology or food nutrition. Some relevant experience would be an advantage.
Germany-based TUV NORD Group, with more than 7,000 staff worldwide, is a leader in technical safety, environmental protection and the implementation of management systems such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
Nicholas Yiu Ho-hung, division manager, TUV NORD Hong Kong, said demand for skilled and qualified employees was rising.
'There are a lot of opportunities in China. Many laboratories have moved there to take advantage of the low labour and rent costs,' Mr Yiu said. 'Experienced testing engineers and technical staff are needed for those operations.'
In Asia, the group is active in certifying conformity with management systems and industry-specific directives.
Mr Yiu said the ISO 9000 series was primarily concerned with quality management issues and enhancing customer satisfaction. The ISO 14000 series, on the other hand, related more to environmental management and minimising harmful effects in commercial and industrial activities.
Product safety and environmental concerns were expected to get even greater attention in the years ahead, and this would improve the prospects for companies and staff involved in the industry, Mr Yiu said.
