Prepackaged bamboo shoots sample in breach of food labelling regulation
| Issue Date | 3.11.2026 |
|---|---|
| Source of Information | The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) |
| Food Product | Prepackaged bamboo shoots |
| Product Name and Description | Product name: Baby Bamboo Shoots |
| Reason For Issuing Alert | - The CFS collected a sample of prepackaged bamboo shoots from the above-mentioned sole distributor. 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 name of the additive were not declared on the food label of the sample. - 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. - 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. |
| Action Taken by the Centre for Food Safety | - The CFS has informed the sole distributor concerned of the irregularity and instructed it to stop sales and remove from shelves the affected batch of the product. According to the CFS's instructions, 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. |
| Advice to the Trade | Stop using or selling the affected batch of the product without proper food label immediately. |
| Advice to Consumers | Consumers who are allergic to sulphur dioxide should not consume the concerned product. They should seek medical treatment if they feel unwell after consuming it. |
| Further Information |
Members of the public may call the hotline of the sole distributor at 6275 2510 during office hours for enquiries about the recall of the product concerned. |
Centre for Food Safety
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
2026-11-3