Prepackaged black glutinous rice sample not in compliance with nutrition label rules

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (December 24) announced that the content of saturated fatty acids of a prepackaged black glutinous rice sample was found to be inconsistent with the declared value on its nutrition label. The CFS is following up on the case.

Product details are as follows:

Product name: YIN CHUAN Organic Black Glutinous Rice
Place of origin: Taiwan
Manufacturer: Green Field Agriculture Company Limited
Net weight: 600 grams per pack
Best-before date: March 27, 2016

"The above-mentioned sample was taken from a supermarket in Tsim Sha Tsui for testing under the CFS' regular Food Surveillance Programme. The result of the chemical analysis showed that the sample contained saturated fatty acids at a level of 1.1g per 100g, which was not consistent with the declared content (0g per 100g) on its nutrition label," a spokesman for the CFS said.

"The CFS has informed the retailer concerned of the irregularity. According to the information provided by the retailer, the affected product was imported direct from Taiwan by the company and was only available for sale at its supermarket chain. The retailer concerned has removed from shelves and stopped sale of the affected batch of the product according to the instructions of the CFS. Prosecution will be instituted should there be sufficient evidence," he added.

The spokesman urged the trade to observe the relevant laws and regulations. According to Section 61 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap 132), if any person falsely describes a food or misleads as to the nature, substance or quality of the food on a label of the food sold by him, he shall be guilty of an offence and be liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction.

The CFS will inform the trade, continue to follow up on the case and take appropriate action.

Ends/Thursday, December 24, 2015