Undeclared allergen (egg) found in prepackaged spaghetti bolognese

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (March 7) announced that a type of prepackaged frozen spaghetti bolognese produced in Ireland was found to contain a food allergen, egg, but it was not declared on the food label. The CFS advised consumers who are allergic to egg to refrain from consuming the product. The trade should also stop using or selling the product immediately should they possess it.

Product details are as follows:

Product name: Spaghetti Bolognese
Brand: Tesco
Place of origin: Ireland
Net weight: 400 grams per pack

The spokesman said, "The CFS, through its Food Incident Surveillance System, has learned of the notices issued by the UK Food Standards Agency and Food Safety Authority of Ireland that Tesco has initiated a recall of the 400g frozen Spaghetti Bolognese product, regardless of batches, because the product contains egg, a food allergen, but the ingredient is not declared on the product's food label."

The spokesman said that upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately followed up with major local importers. The CFS' investigation found that China Resources Vanguard (HK) Company Limited has imported the product concerned into Hong Kong.

According to information provided by the importer concerned, it had imported a total of 966 packs and some 150 packs had already been sold. The importer concerned has stopped sale and removed from shelves the affected product. A recall has also been initiated. Members of the public may call China Resources Vanguard (HK) Company Limited's hotline at 2586 3000 for enquiries during office hours about the recall.

The spokesman advised consumers who are allergic to egg to stop consuming the product concerned. People should seek medical treatment if they feel unwell after consuming it.

The Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations (Cap 132W) require that all prepackaged food for sale in Hong Kong should list out the food ingredients in its list of ingredients. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment.

The CFS will alert the trade to the incident and will continue to follow up and take appropriate action. Investigation is ongoing.

Ends/Tuesday, March 7, 2017