The Centre for Food Safety (CFS)

Prepackaged bamboo fungi

Product name: 特級竹笙 (Name not available in English)

Brand: On Kee Dry Seafood Co., Ltd.

Place of origin: China

Net weight: 75 grams per pack

Best-before date: 28 December 2022

The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample of bamboo fungi from an online shop for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained sulphur dioxide. Although the sulphur dioxide level is below the maximum permitted level under the Preservatives in Food Regulation (Cap 132BD), the functional class and name of the additive were not declared on the food label of the sample.

Sulphur dioxide is a preservative which can be used in a variety of foods including dried vegetables, dried fruits, pickled vegetables and salted fish products. Sulphur dioxide is water soluble, and most of it can be removed through washing and cooking. However, susceptible individuals who are allergic to this preservative may experience breathing difficulties, headache and nausea after consumption.

The CFS has informed the vendor concerned of the irregularity, and instructed it to stop sale and remove from shelves the affected batch of product. The vendor concerned has initiated a recall according to the CFS' instructions.

Stop using or selling the product concerned immediately.

Do not consume the affected batch of the product.

• The CFS press release
• Members of the public may call the vender's hotline at 2588 4600 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.