The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (February 17) said that two kinds of prepackaged cereal products manufactured in the United States (US) might contain allergens, gluten and wheat, but they were not declared on the products' food labels. Consumers who are allergic to gluten or wheat are advised not to eat the products concerned. The trade should also stop using or selling the products concerned immediately.

     Product details are as follows:

(1)   Product name: Choco Chimps
Brand: Nature's Path EnviroKidz
Place of origin: USA
Distributor: Rainbow Asset Ltd
Net weight: 10 ounces (284 grams) per box
Best before date: August 27, 2019

 (2)   Product name: Gorilla Munch
Brand: Nature's Path EnviroKidz
Place of origin: USA
Distributor: Rainbow Asset Ltd
Net weight: 10 ounces (284 grams) per box
Best before date: September 21, 2019

     "The CFS, through its Food Incident Surveillance System, noted notices issued by the US and Canadian authorities concerned that several kinds of cereal products of the above-mentioned brands are under recall because they may contain gluten and wheat but undeclared on the food labels," a spokesman for the CFS said.

     Upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately followed up with major local importers and retailers. Preliminary investigation found that a local retailer, PARKnSHOP (HK) Limited, had sold the above batches of the affected products. The retailer has already stopped sale and removed from shelves the affected batches of products and initiated a recall according to CFS' instructions. Members of the public may call its hotline at 2606 8658 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.

     "Gluten and wheat are known food allergens. Those who are allergic to gluten or wheat may develop symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, asthma and rash upon consumption. In severe cases anaphylactic shock may even develop," the spokesman said.

     The spokesman advised consumers who are allergic to gluten or wheat not to eat the products, and to seek medical treatment if they feel unwell after taking the food. The trade should also stop using or selling the above batches of the affected products immediately should they possess it.

     The Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations (Cap 132W) require that all prepackaged food for sale in Hong Kong should list out the food ingredients in its list of ingredients. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment.

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

Ends/Sunday, February 17, 2019
Issued at HKT 18:26

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