The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (July 6) that a prepackaged sour mustard sample was found to contain a preservative, sulphur dioxide, at a level exceeding the legal limit. The trade should stop using or selling the affected batch of the product immediately.

     Details of the product are as follows:

Product name: Suree Sour Mustard
Place of origin: Thailand
Sole agent: Fok Hing (HK) Trading Limited
Net weight: 300 grammes/10.5 ounces per pack
Best-before date: November 28, 2018

     "The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample from a retail outlet in Lam Tin for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sour mustard sample contained sulphur dioxide at a level of 160 parts per million (ppm), exceeding the legal limit of 100 ppm," the spokesman said.

     The CFS has informed the vendor concerned of the irregularity and the vendor has stopped selling and removed from shelves the affected batch of the product according to the CFS' instructions. The CFS is also tracing the source and distribution of the affected product. Should there be sufficient evidence, prosecution will be instituted.

     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. Based on the level of sulphur dioxide detected in the unsatisfactory sample, adverse health effects will not be caused under usual consumption. However, for individuals who are allergic to this preservative, there may be symptoms of shortness of breath, headache and nausea. The public are advised to seek medical treatment if they feel unwell after taking the food.

     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 chemicals as a result of frequent consumption of a small range of food items.

     The CFS will alert the trade, continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. Investigation is ongoing.

Ends/Thursday, July 6, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:00

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