CFS announces two preserved vegetable samples detected with excessive preservatives

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (September 15) announced that a preserved leaf mustard sample and a preserved mustard sample contained excessive preservatives sulphur dioxide and benzoic acid respectively. The CFS is following up on the cases.

Details of the products are as follows:

(1) Product name: Preserved leaf mustard
Use-by date: August 26, 2015
Packer: AEON Stores (Hong Kong) Co., Limited

(2) Product name: Preserved mustard
Use-by date: February 3, 2016
Packer: Kai Bo Food Supermarket

A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS collected the above-mentioned prepackaged preserved leaf mustard sample and preserved mustard sample from AEON Supermarket at Wo Che Estate in Sha Tin and Kai Bo Food Supermarket at Yee Kuk Street in Sham Shui Po respectively for testing under its regular Food Surveillance Programme. The test results showed that the preserved leaf mustard sample contained sulphur dioxide at a level of 330 parts per million (ppm) and the preserved mustard sample contained benzoic acid at a level of 7,100 ppm, exceeding their legal limits of 100 ppm and 2,000 ppm respectively."

The spokesman said the CFS has taken follow-up actions on the unsatisfactory samples, including informing the vendors concerned of the irregularities and instructing them to stop selling and remove from shelves the affected products. Prosecution will be initiated should there be sufficient evidence. The CFS is also tracing the sources and distribution of the affected products.

Sulphur dioxide is a commonly used preservative in a variety of foods including dried vegetables, dried fruits, pickled vegetables and meat products. This preservative is of low toxicity. As it is water soluble, most of it can be removed through washing and cooking. However, individuals who are allergic to this preservative may experience symptoms of shortness of breath, headache and nausea. The spokesman advised consumers to consult a doctor if they feel unwell after consuming the food. Benzoic acid is also a commonly used preservative in the preparation of preserved vegetables and is of low toxicity. Based on the levels of sulphur dioxide and benzoic acid detected in the two unsatisfactory samples, adverse health effects will not be caused under normal consumption.

The spokesman reminded the food trade that the use of preservatives in food must comply with the Preservatives in Food Regulation (Cap 132BD). Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction. Members of the public should buy food from reliable suppliers, and maintain a balanced diet so as to avoid excessive intake of certain harmful substances as a result of frequent consumption of a small range of food items.

The CFS will continue to follow up on the cases and take appropriate actions.

Ends/Tuesday, September 15, 2015