Routine Food Surveillance Programme of the Centre for Food Safety (CFS)

Prepackaged bamboo shoot

Product name: Baby Bamboo Shoots
Brand: Unionsum Food
Net weight: 250 grams
Place of origin: China
Sole distributor: Unionsum Food Company
Retailer: HKTV Mall
Best-before date: August 2, 2027

• The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample 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 detected is within the legal limit, the functional class and the name of the additive were not declared on the food label of the sample.
• Sulphur dioxide is a commonly used preservative in a variety of foods including dried vegetables, dried fruits, pickled vegetables and salted fish products. This preservative is water soluble, 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.
• The use of preservatives in food must comply with the Preservatives in Food Regulation (Cap. 132BD). Furthermore, the Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations (Cap. 132W) require that for all prepackaged food for sale in Hong Kong containing sulphite in a concentration of 10 parts per million or more, the functional class of the sulphite and its name shall be specified in the list of ingredients. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction.

• The CFS has informed the sole distributor and the vendor concerned of the irregularity and instructed them to stop sales and remove from shelves the affected batch of the product. The sole distributor concerned has initiated a recall of the affected batch of the product.
• The CFS will alert the trade, and will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. An investigation is ongoing.

• The trade should also stop using or selling the affected batch of the product immediately if they possess it.

• Members of the public should not consume the affected batch of the product.

The CFS press release

Members of the public may call the sole distributor's hotline at 6275 2510 during office hours for enquiries about the recall of the product concerned.