Beef ball sample detected with non-permitted preservative

Food name:

Beef ball
Preservative: Sorbic acid
Detected level: 430 parts per million
Maximum permitted level: Not Permitted

Sampling location:

A restaurant at Tsuen Wan

Remarks:

  1. The CFS has instructed the trade to stop selling the affected product.
  2. According to the Preservatives in Food Regulation (Cap 132BD), sorbic acid is not permitted to be added in meat and meat products. An offender is subject to a fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction.
  3. Sorbic acid is a preservative of low-toxicity. Based on the level of detected in the above-mentioned sample, adverse health effects will 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 so as to safeguard public health. Prosecution will be instituted should there be sufficient evidence.
  5. Investigation is ongoing.

END/ Thursday, January 6, 2022