Egg noodle sample detected with preservative exceeding legal limit

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (October 12) that a sample of prepackaged egg noodle was found to contain sulphur dioxide, a preservative, at a level exceeding the legal limit. Follow-up is in progress.

"The CFS collected the prepackaged egg noodle sample from a supermarket in Yau Ma Tei for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that it contained sulphur dioxide at a level of 27 parts per million (ppm), exceeding the legal limit of 20ppm," the CFS spokesman said.

Details of the product are as follows:

Product name: Eggs noodle (thin)
Brand: Sau Tao
Sole agent: Sun Shun Fuk Foods Co Ltd
Place of origin: China
Best-before date: December 1, 2017
Net weight: 454 grams/16 ounces per pack

The CFS has informed the vendor concerned of the irregularity and instructed it to stop selling and remove from shelves the affected batch of the product. The CFS is also tracing the source and distribution of the affected product and will alert the trade to the incident. The trade should stop using or selling the affected batch of the product immediately should they still possess it.

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 level of sulphur dioxide detected in the unsatisfactory sample, 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 incident and take appropriate action.

Ends/Wednesday, October 12, 2016