As food safety concerns rapidly increase in Hong Kong, Anmez has chosen this market to launch its break-through touchscreen technology device: Greentest. Greentest identifies nitrates in fruit and vegetables in seconds, better equipping the public with the information to make healthier and better eating choices. The launch is timely given new research states 63% of Greater China consumers say they consider where the food came from when making purchases and 66% consider how the food was grown or raised.

“The suggested maximum daily intake of nitrates should be 3.7mg/kg per body weight. Excessive nitrate consumption is linked with increased risk of poisoning and serious diseases like blue baby syndrome, diabetes, cancer, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease. With Greentest, a complex test that used to take at least several days and up to several weeks in industrial laboratories is now made possible wherever you are, with results shown in a few seconds. It empowers consumers and aids them in making better choices in their fruit and vegetables.”

The Greentest device works by using the electrical conductivity of fruit and vegetables as a way to measure the concentration levels of nitrates, the relative concentration of contaminant ions is able to be displayed. Measurements are made by inserting the device’s small stainless steel probe into a piece of produce. The subsequent colour shown on the touchscreen – green, yellow or red – clearly indicates whether there is a presence of nitrates in the product. The device then compares the nitrate concentration to the acceptable base levels which are pre-programmed into the device’s software. These levels were created in laboratory conditions using advance methods of testing fruits and vegetables for contaminants while accounting for the breed, place of cultivation, season conditions and unique properties.

A significant rise above the base levels indicates the presence of nitrates in increased concentrations. These nitrates are absorbed from the soil it is grown in due to the incorrect agricultural of the soil and increased fertilizer usage. The results of measurements depend on such parameters as salt concentration in the intercellular space or conductivity condition of the cell membranes.

The Greentest device should be used at home once fruit and vegetables have been purchased. Once the levels are measured, if they are too high, specific preparation and cooking techniques can be utilized in order to help neutralize the nitrates.

"According to a report in January of this year by the information services department, we consume 2,290 tones vegetables per year in Hong Kong. At the same time, over-farming and the use of artificial fertilizers and chemical accelerators in commercially produced fruit and vegetables is increasingly prevalent, “explained Ms Priscilla Lau, Hong Kong based dietitian. “In order to obtain maximum health benefits from consuming the recommended intake of vegetables, it has become more and more important to ensure that the fruit and vegetables that we put into our bodies and those of our loved ones are safe by reducing nitrate and nitrite exposure as much as possible."

Greentest is particularly useful for Vegetarians and vegans, as they consume relatively more fruit and vegetables than the average person; Pregnant and nursing women who need to protect themselves and the baby from possible contaminants; those with an allergy to nitrates and nitrites; Parents who want better control over the level of nitrates consumed by their children; People who purchase organic fruit and vegetables and need a quality verification of the product.

Greentest currently retails at HK$1,180 and is available from the Anmez Store, Pricerite, Eugene Baby stores, DG Lifestyle in Causeway Bay and Admiralty as well as Hong Kong Automobile Association (HKAA), with more retail outlets to be added.