The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (September 5) that samples of one loose-packed and one prepacked bamboo fungus were found to contain sulphur dioxide, a preservative, at levels exceeding the legal limit. Follow-up is in progress.
 
     "The CFS collected the loose-packed and prepackaged bamboo fungus samples from two retail outlets in Wan Chai and Tai Po respectively under its regular Food Surveillance Programme, which were found to contain excessive sulphur dioxide at levels of 4,000 parts per million (ppm) and 2,790 ppm respectively, exceeding the legal limit of 500 ppm," the spokesman said.
 
     Details of the prepacked bamboo fungus are as follows:
 
Product name: Wild bamboo fungus
Packer: Hop Cheong Sea-Products Co Ltd
Best-before date: June 28, 2017
Net weight: 75.5 grams/two taels per pack
 
     The CFS has informed the vendors concerned of the irregularities. No sale of loose-packed bamboo fungus was found at the Wan Chai outlet while the Tai Po outlet has stopped selling and removed from shelves the affected batch of the product according to the CFS' instructions. Should there be sufficient evidence, prosecution will be instituted. The CFS is also tracing the sources and distribution of the affected products.
 
     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 levels of sulphur dioxide detected in the unsatisfactory samples, 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 eating 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 continue to follow up on the incidents and take appropriate action.

Ends/Monday, September 5, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:59

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