Sulphur dioxide found in fresh beef sample by CFS

A spokesman for the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (October 24) said that a sample of fresh beef was found to contain sulphur dioxide, a preservative which is not permitted to be used in fresh meat. Prosecution will be taken against the vendor concerned.

"Following up on a food complaint, the CFS took a fresh beef sample from a fresh provision shop at a market in Sha Tin for testing and it was found to contain sulphur dioxide at a level of 1 800 parts per million. The CFS has informed the vendor concerned of the above-mentioned result. Prosecution will be taken and a follow-up sample will be taken from the vendor for testing to ensure compliance with relevant statutory provisions," the spokesman said.

Sulphur dioxide is a commonly used preservative in a variety of foods including dried fruits, pickled vegetables and meat products such as sausages and grilled burgers, but under the Preservatives in Food Regulation (subsidiary legislation of Cap 132), it is not permitted in fresh or chilled meat. Nonetheless, individual meat traders have been found illegally using sulphur dioxide to make the meat look fresher. This preservative is of low toxicity. As it is water-soluble, most of it can be removed through washing and cooking. However, susceptible individuals who are allergic to this preservative may experience breathing difficulty, headache and nausea.

The spokesman reminded the food trade to comply with the law and not to sell fresh or chilled meat adulterated with sulphur dioxide. Selling such meat is an offence which carries a maximum penalty of a $50,000 fine and six months' imprisonment. Upon conviction, the FEHD will also suspend or cancel the fresh provision shop licence concerned under the Demerit Points System.

The spokesman advised members of the public to purchase meat from reliable market stalls or fresh provision shops. They should avoid buying or consuming meat which is unnaturally red and maintain a balanced diet to avoid malnutrition or excessive exposure to chemicals from a small range of food items.

Ends/Friday, October 24, 2014