Food Safety Focus (81st Issue, April 2013) – Food Incident Highlight

Undeclared Allergen (Peanut) in Korean Mixed Soybean Paste

On 26 March 2013 , the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) issued a food allergen alert to advise consumers allergic to peanut stop consuming a prepackaged mixed soybean paste manufactured in Korea since the product may contain peanut which has not been listed on the food label.

The affected Korean mixed soybean paste

Peanut is a known allergen which can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. People who are allergic to peanut may develop symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, asthma and rash upon consumption. Anaphylactic shock may even develop in severe cases. In Hong Kong, all prepackaged food is required to indicate the presence of eight specified allergens, including peanut.

The CFS has issued warning letters to the concerned importer and supermarket, and alerted the trade to stop selling the product concerned. Consumers who are sensitive to peanut should stop eating the affected product and seek medical treatment if feeling unwell after taking the food.