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 (September 15) announced that the nutrient contents of a bottled soda sample and a prepackaged pudding 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: CALPIS SODA
Place of origin: Japan
Manufacturer: ASAHI & Co., Ltd.
Volume: 500 millilitres per bottle
Best-before date: November 1, 2016

(2) Product name: Eggs Flavor Pudding
Place of origin: Taiwan
Manufacturer: Name in English not available
Distributor: B & S Company
Net weight: 280 grams per box (16 pieces per box)
Best-before date: June 12, 2017

"Subsequent to announcing that the nutrient contents of a bottled soda sample and a prepackaged pudding sample, collected at two department stores in Tsuen Wan and Yau Ma Tei respectively, were found to be inconsistent with the declared values on their nutrition labels, the CFS detected similar irregularities in samples of the same kind but of different batches from the same department stores. There was a discrepancy between the soda sample's actual sugar content (7.6g per 100ml) and the declared content (4.8g per 100ml); while the pudding sample contained no protein and the contents of sugar and sodium were at levels of 20.2g per 100g and 72 milligrams per 100g respectively, which was inconsistent with its declared values of 1g of protein, 10g of sugar and 20mg of sodium per 100g of food," a spokesman for the CFS said.

"The CFS has informed the vendors concerned of the irregularities and the sale of the affected products has stopped. Prosecution will be instituted should there be sufficient evidence. The CFS is also tracing the distribution of the affected products," he added.

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, September 15, 2016