Three bamboo fungus samples detected with preservative exceeding legal limit

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (September 13) that three prepackaged bamboo fungus samples were found to contain sulphur dioxide, a preservative, at levels exceeding the legal limit. The CFS is following up on the incidents.

Product details are as follows:

(1)Product name: Long Net Stinkhorn
Packer: Yummy House International Ltd
Best-before date: October 30, 2017
Net weight: 1.1 ounces / 30 grams per pack

(2)Product name: Wild bamboo fungus
Packer: Hop Cheong Sea-Products Co Ltd
Best-before date: August 28, 2017
Net weight: 75.5 grams / two taels per pack

(3)Product name: Bamboo Fungus
Place of origin: Hong Kong
Packer: Premier Food Ltd
Best-before date: October 28, 2017
Net weight: 100 grams per pack

A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS collected the abovementioned samples from three retail outlets in Lok Fu, Sham Shui Po and Fanling respectively for testing under its regular Food Surveillance Programme. The test results showed that the samples contained sulphur dioxide at levels of 5,330 parts per million (ppm), 3,670ppm and 10,500ppm respectively, exceeding the legal limit of 500 ppm."

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 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 CFS has informed the vendors concerned of the irregularities and instructed them to stop selling and remove from shelves the affected batches of the products. The CFS is also tracing the sources and distribution of the affected products and will alert the trade to the incidents. The trade should stop using or selling the concerned batches of the products immediately should they still possess them.

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/Tuesday, September 13, 2016