Two prepackaged food samples not in compliance with nutrition label rules

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (December 31) announced that the nutrient contents of two prepackaged food samples, namely a milk candy sample and a tong yuen sample, were found to be inconsistent with the declared values on their nutrition labels. The CFS urged the trade to stop selling the affected batches of the products immediately.

Product details are as follows:

(1) Product name: Peko Milk Candy
Place of origin: Japan
Distributor: Kiu Fung Hong Limited
Net weight: 115 grams per pack
Best-before date: July 2, 2016

(2) Product name: Siu Ning Bo Tong Yuen - Chocolate Flavour
Place of origin: Hong Kong
Distributor: Yue Shing Trading Company Limited
Net weight: 150g per pack
Best-before date: December 30, 2016

"The above-mentioned samples of milk candy and tong yuen were taken from two department stores in Tsuen Wan for testing under the CFS' regular Food Surveillance Programme. The results of chemical analyses showed that the milk candy sample contained no dietary fibre, which was inconsistent with the declared content of dietary fibre (1.4g per 100g) on its nutrition label, and the tong yuen sample contained sodium at a level of 69 milligrams per 100g, which was not consistent with the declared content (22mg per 100g) on its nutrition label," a spokesman for the CFS said.

"The CFS has informed the retailers concerned of the irregularities. The retailers concerned have removed from shelves and stopped sale of the affected batches of the products according to the instructions of the CFS. Prosecution will be instituted should there be sufficient evidence. The CFS has also followed up with the distributors concerned to trace the distribution of the affected products," 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 cases and take appropriate action.

Ends/Thursday, December 31, 2015