Prepackaged egg-flavoured noodle and scallop-flavoured noodle samples detected with sulphur dioxide

Issue Date 16.10.2023
Source of Information

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS)

Food Product

Prepackaged egg-flavoured noodle and scallop-flavoured noodle

Product Name and Description

Product name: HONG KONG EGG FLAVOR NOODLE

Brand: GOURMET ALLEY

Place of origin: Hong Kong

Net weight: 454 grams

Best-before date: August 15, 2025

Manufacturer: AAA Noodle Product Manufactory (HK) Ltd

Hotline: 2614 2160

 

Product name: Scallop Noodles

Brand: Select

Place of origin: China

Net weight: 454 grams

Best-before date: December 15, 2024

Distributor: PARKnSHOP (HK) Limited

Hotline: 2606 8658

Reason For Issuing Alert
  • The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample of egg-flavoured noodle from a supermarket in Chai Wan for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained sulphur dioxide at a level of 61 parts per million, exceeding the legal limit of 20 ppm. The functional class and name of the additive were also not declared on the food label.
  • The CFS conducted follow-up investigations in a supermarket in Sham Shui Po, and found that the scallop-flavoured noodle sample contained sulphur dioxide. Although the sulphur dioxide level is below the maximum permitted level under the Preservatives in Food Regulation (Cap. 132BD), but the functional class and the name of the additive were not declared on the food label.
  • 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, headaches and nausea after consumption.
Action Taken by the Centre for Food Safety
  • The CFS has informed the vendors and the manufacturer/distributor concerned of the irregularities and instructed them to stop sales and remove from shelves the affected batches of the products. The manufacturer/distributor concerned have initiated recalls according to the CFS's instructions. Prosecution will be instituted should there be sufficient evidence.
  • The CFS will alert the trade, continue to follow up on the incidents and take appropriate action. Investigations are ongoing.
Advice to the Trade

Stop using or selling the affected batches of the products immediately if possess it

Advice to Consumers

Should not consume the affected batches of the products

Further Information

The CFS press release

Members of the public may call the respective hotlines during office hours for enquiries about the recalls.

Photos for reference only.

Centre for Food Safety
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
2023-10-16

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