Undeclared allergen (sulphur dioxide) found in prepackaged egg noodle sample

Issue Date 19.10.2021
Source of Information

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS)

Food Product

Prepackaged egg noodle

Product Name and Description

Product name: Eggs Noodle (Thick)

Brand: Sau Tao

Place of origin: China

Net weight: 454 grams per pack

Sole agent: SUN SHUN FUK FOODS CO., LTD.

Best-before date: December 1, 2022

Reason For Issuing Alert
  • The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample from a supermarket in Chai Wan for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained sulphur dioxide. However, 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.
Action Taken by the Centre for Food Safety
  • The CFS has informed the vendor concerned and the sole agent of the irregularity, and instructed them to stop sale and remove from shelves the affected batch of product. The sole agent has initiated a recall according to the CFS' instructions.
  • The CFS will alert the trade, continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. Investigation is ongoing.
Advice to the Trade

Stop using or selling the affected product immediately if they possess it.

Advice to Consumers

Should not consume the affected product.

Further Information

The CFS press release

Members of the public may call hotline of the sole agent at 2461 0190 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.

Centre for Food Safety
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
2021-10-19

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