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The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (August 20) a batch of prepacked pickled mustard from Thailand was found to contain sulphur dioxide, a preservative, at a level exceeding the legal limit. The trade should also stop using or selling the affected batch of the product immediately. Follow-up action is in progress.
Details of the product are as follows:
Product name: Pickled Mustard
Place of origin: Thailand
Distributor: Kong Thai Native Foods Co
Net weight: 350 grams
Best-before date: April 28, 2017
A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS collected a sample of prepacked pickled mustard from Thailand at a market stall in Ma On Shan for testing under its regular Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that it contained a preservative, sulphur dioxide, at a level of 180 parts per million (ppm), exceeding the legal limit of 100 ppm.
"The CFS has informed the vendor concerned of the irregularity and the vendor has voluntarily stopped selling and removed from shelves the affected batch of product. Should there be sufficient evidence, prosecution will be considered. The CFS is tracing the source and distribution of the affected product."
Sulphur dioxide is a commonly used preservative in a variety of foods including dried vegetables, dried fruits, pickled vegetables and meat products. This preservative is of low toxicity. As it is water soluble, most of it can be removed through washing and cooking. However, for individuals who are allergic to this preservative, there may be symptoms of shortness of breath, headache and nausea.
The spokesman reminded the food trade that the use of preservatives in food must comply with the Preservatives in Food Regulation (Cap 132BD). Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction. Members of the public should buy food from reliable suppliers, and maintain a balanced diet so as to avoid excessive intake of certain harmful substances as a result of frequent consumption of a small range of food items.
He advised the public to seek medical treatment if they feel unwell after taking the food. The CFS has also informed the local trade to stop using or selling the affected batch of the product immediately.
The CFS will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate actions.
Ends/Thursday, August 20, 2015
Issued at HKT 20:01
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