Preservative exceeds legal limit in dates sample

Food name:

Dates

Preservative:

Sulphur dioxide

Detected level:

270 parts per million

Maximum permitted level:

100 parts per million
Sampling location:

A retail shop in Tuen Mun

Remarks:

  1. The CFS has instructed the trade to stop selling the affected product.
  2. According to the Preservatives in Food Regulation (Cap 132BD), any person who sells food with preservative above the legal limit may be prosecuted and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction.
  3. Based on the level of Sulphur dioxide detected in the sample, adverse health effects would not be caused under usual consumption.
  4. The CFS will continue to follow up on the unsatisfactory result, including tracing the source of the food in question and taking sample for testing so as to safeguard public health.
  5. Investigation is ongoing.

END/ Tuesday November 16, 2021