Rice dumpling sample detected to have non-permitted preservative

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (April 25) that a loose-packed "gan shui" rice dumpling sample was found to contain boric acid, a preservative not permitted in food. Investigation is on-going.

A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample from a shop in Sham Shui Po for testing under its regular Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained boric acid at a level of 500 parts per million."

Under the Preservatives in Food Regulation (Cap 132BD), boric acid is not a permitted preservative in food. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment.

The spokesman said the CFS has taken follow-up action on the unsatisfactory sample, including informing the vendor concerned of the irregularity and instructing it to stop selling and remove from shelves the affected product.

The CFS will continue to follow up on the incident.

Ends/Tuesday, April 25, 2017