Imported prepackaged instant matsutake mushroom rice may contain allergen (coconut)

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (February 14) said that a kind of imported prepackaged instant matsutake mushroom rice may contain an allergen, coconut (a kind of tree nut), but it was not declared on the product's label. Consumers who are allergic to coconut are advised not to consume the product concerned. The trade should also stop using or selling the affected product immediately.

Product details are as follows:

Produce name: ONISIFOODS Instant Alpha Rice – Matsutake Mushroom
Brand: ONISIFOODS
Place of origin: Japan
Name of importer: City Super Limited
Net weight: 100 grams per pack
Best-before date: February 29, 2028

"The CFS, through its Food Incident Surveillance System, noted a notice issued by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States that the above-mentioned product is under recall because it might contain coconut but it was 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 importer had imported the affected product which was on sale 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 2736 3866 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.

"Coconut is a known food allergen. Those who are allergic to it may develop symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing difficulty, itchy skin and rash upon consumption. 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," the spokesman added.

The spokesman urged consumers who are allergic to coconut not to consume the product concerned. Those who feel unwell after consuming it should seek medical treatment. The trade should also stop using or selling the above-mentioned product immediately should they possess 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, continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. Investigation is ongoing.

Ends/Tuesday, February 14, 2023