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The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (October 6) announced that a bottled preserved leaf mustard sample contained excessive preservative sulphur dioxide and did not carry food label. The CFS is following up on the case.
A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS collected the above-mentioned preserved leaf mustard sample from Kui Lee Sauce & Preserved Fruit Factory Limited on the ground floor of 10A Canal Road West, Wan Chai, for testing under its regular Food Surveillance Programme. Test result showed that the sample contained sulphur dioxide at a level of 830 parts per million (ppm), exceeding the legal limit of 100 ppm."
The spokesman said the CFS has taken follow-up action on the unsatisfactory sample, including informing the vendor concerned of the irregularity and instructing it to stop selling and remove from shelves the affected product. Prosecution will be taken should there be sufficient evidence. The CFS is also 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, individuals who are allergic to this preservative may experience symptoms of shortness of breath, headache and nausea. The spokesman advised consumers to consult a doctor if they feel unwell after consuming the food. Based on the level of sulphur dioxide detected in the unsatisfactory sample, adverse health effects will not be caused under normal consumption.
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.
The spokesman reminded the food trade that the use of preservatives in food must comply with the Preservatives in Food Regulation (Cap 132BD). Additionally, the Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations (Cap. 132W) require that all prepackaged food for sale in Hong Kong, unless exempted, should list out its name or designation, list of ingredients, durability indication, statement of special conditions for storage or instructions for use, name and address of manufacturer or packer and count, weight or volume, and nutrition labelling. Offenders against any of the abovementioned regulations, are liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction respectively.
The CFS will continue to follow up on the case and take appropriate action.
Ends/Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Issued at HKT 20:13
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