CFS finds excessive preservatives in two preserved vegetable samples

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (January 8) announced that a sample of preserved mustard leaf and a sample of preserved mustard tuber were found to contain sulphur dioxide, a preservative, at levels exceeding the legal limit. The CFS is following up on the cases.

"The CFS collected the pre-packed preserved mustard leaf sample and the loose-pack preserved mustard tuber sample from a supermarket in Tai Wai and a market stall in Ma On Shan respectively under its regular Food Surveillance Programme. The test results showed that the mustard leaf sample and the mustard tuber sample contained sulphur dioxide at a level of 860 parts per million (ppm) and 710 ppm respectively, exceeding the legal limit of 100 ppm," a CFS spokesman said.

Sulphur dioxide is a commonly used preservative in a variety of foods including dried fruits, pickled vegetables and meat products.

"Normal consumption of the above-mentioned preserved vegetable samples with sulphur dioxide is unlikely to pose any adverse health effect to consumers. However, for individuals who are allergic to this preservative, especially when its level exceeds the legal limit, there may be symptoms of breathing difficulty, headache and nausea," the spokesman said.

The CFS will inform the vendors concerned of the test results, and trace the source and distribution of the food items in question. The use-by date of the preserved mustard leaf in question has passed. Both vendors concerned have stopped selling the affected products. Follow-up samples will be taken from the vendors for testing if the same kinds of food are found available for sale to ensure compliance with relevant statutory provisions.

The spokesman reminded the food trade that the use of preservatives in food must comply with the Preservatives in Food Regulation. 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 harmful substances as a result of frequent consumption of a small range of food items.

The CFS will continue to investigate the cases and take appropriate follow-up actions.

Ends/Thursday, January 8, 2015