Rice dumpling sample detected with non-permitted preservative

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (May 11) that a loose-packed "gan shui" rice dumpling sample was found to contain boric acid, a preservative not permitted in food. The CFS is following up on the case.

A spokesman for the CFS said, "Subsequent to announcing earlier that a "gan shui" rice dumpling sample taken from a shop in Sham Shui Po was found to contain boric acid, the CFS detected a similar irregularity in another "gan shui" rice dumpling sample taken from the same shop for testing during follow-up investigations. The test result showed that the sample contained boric acid at a level of 350 parts per million."

 Under the Preservatives in Food Regulation (Cap 132BD), boric acid is not a permitted preservative in food. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment.

The spokesman said the CFS had informed the vendor concerned of the irregularity. The vendor had earlier stopped selling all kinds of rice dumplings. Prosecution will be instituted should there be sufficient evidence.

The CFS will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action.

Ends/Thursday, May 11, 2017