Chinese bottled water producer Nongfu Spring is facing controversy after tests conducted by the Consumer Council of Hong Kong found that their bottled water contains bromate levels at the maximum limit set by the European Union, which is 3 micrograms per liter. Bromate is a compound formed in the disinfection process that poses potential health risks. The discovery of bromate levels in Nongfu Spring's bottled water has led to concerns about market confidence, causing the company's stock to fall by 4.56%. This decline adds to the company's previous stock market struggles, which have been fueled by rumors about foreign investment controls and water source pollution. Nongfu Spring's controlling shareholder plans to increase its holding by up to HK$2 billion within six months. The controversy surrounding Nongfu Spring's bottled water is not limited to the company alone. Ganten bottled water was also found to have bromate levels at the EU's maximum limit, although the levels are lower than the standards set by the U.S., Japan, and WHO. The presence of bromate in bottled water raises concerns about the safety and quality of these products. The legal action taken by Nongfu Spring against rumors about the company and its founder Zhong Shanshan highlights the growing concern among Chinese companies about the spread of false information and rumors online, which can have a negative impact on their reputation and business operations. [616a1ad4] [4e5c8a0f]
The controversy surrounding Nongfu Spring's bottled water has also shed light on the timidity of Hong Kong's Consumer Council. The council initially reported that a sample of Nongfu Spring's mineral water had a bromate content of 3 micrograms per liter, which coincides with the upper limit in the European Union standard for some water products. However, after a complaint from Nongfu Spring, the council apologized, reclassified the water as five stars, and stressed that all the samples it tested were safe to drink. This move has been criticized as an act of timidity, raising questions about the council's ability to stand up to pressure from companies. [2512b95d]
In a separate incident, The Wall Street Journal has also faced criticism for its timidity. The newspaper fired reporter Selina Cheng for accepting the post of chairman of the Hong Kong Journalists' Association and allegedly warning her against advocating for press freedom in Hong Kong. This action has been seen as self-defeating and has further eroded the newspaper's reputation. [2512b95d]