CFS finds ethylene oxide in prepackaged instant tossed noodle samples from Indonesia

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (September 27) that samples of a kind of prepackaged instant tossed noodle imported from Indonesia were found with a pesticide, ethylene oxide. Members of the public should not consume the affected batch of the product. The trade should also stop using or selling the affected batch of the product immediately if they possess it.

Product details are as follows:

Product name: Sedaap Korean Spicy Chicken Flavour Fried Noodle
Brand: Mi Sedaap
Place of origin: Indonesia
Net weight: 435 grams
Sole Agent: Golden Long Food Trading Ltd
Retailer: PARKnSHOP (HK) Limited
Best-before date: May 19, 2023

"The CFS collected samples of the product from a supermarket in Lok Fu for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the samples of noodle, seasoning pack and chili powder pack of the product contain a pesticide, ethylene oxide. The CFS has informed the vendor concerned of the irregularity and instructed it to stop sale and remove from shelves the affected batch of the product. According to the CFS's instructions, the retailer concerned has initiated a recall on the affected batch of the product. Members of the public may call its hotline at 2606 8658 during office hours for enquiries about the recall of the product concerned.

The spokesman continued, "The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified ethylene oxide as a Group 1 carcinogen. According to the Pesticide Residues in Food Regulation (Cap 132CM), a food for human consumption containing pesticide residue may only be sold if consumption of the food is not dangerous or prejudicial to health. An offender is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and to imprisonment for six months upon conviction."

The spokesman urged the public not to consume the affected batch of the product if they have bought any. The trade should also stop using or selling the affected batch of the product concerned immediately if they possess it.
      
The CFS will alert the trade to the incident, and will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. An investigation is ongoing. 
 
Ends/Tuesday, September 27, 2022