Prepackaged curry imported from UK may contain allergen (milk)

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (December 16) noted that a kind of prepackaged curry manufactured in the United Kingdom (UK) might contain milk, an allergen, but it was not declared on the product's food label. Consumers who are allergic to milk are advised not to eat the affected product. The trade should also stop using or selling the product concerned immediately should they possess it.

Product details are as follows:

Product name: Balanced For You Red Thai Chicken Curry
Brand: M&S
Place of origin: UK
Sole importer: Alf Retail Hong Kong Limited
Net weight: 380 grams per pack
Use-by date: December 14, 2020

"The CFS, through its Food Incident Surveillance System, noted notices issued by the Food Standards Agency of the UK and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland that the above-mentioned product is under recall because it may contain milk but the ingredient is undeclared on the food label," a spokesman for the CFS said.

Upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately followed up with major local importers and retailers. Preliminary investigation found that the above-mentioned sole importer had imported the above affected product which had been sold in its chain stores. The importer has already stopped sale and removed from shelves the affected product and initiated a recall. Members of the public may call its hotline at 3656 2253 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.

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

"People who are allergic to milk may have an immunologic response like vomiting, diarrhoea and rash upon consumption of food containing this allergen. In severe cases, anaphylactic shock may even develop. As for other members of the public, generally speaking, they would not be subject to such reactions when the food in question is consumed," he said.

Consumers should also take note of the best-before or use-by date of the food items before purchase or consumption, and food beyond its use-by date should be avoided.

The CFS will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. Investigation is ongoing.
 
Ends/Wednesday, December 16, 2020