Prepackaged almond milk and walnut milk samples detected with non-permitted preservative

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (September 13) that a sample of prepackaged almond milk and a sample of prepackaged walnut milk were found to contain salicylic acid, a preservative not permitted in food. The CFS urged members of the public not to consume the products concerned. The trade should also stop using or selling the products concerned immediately if they possess them.

Product details are as follows:

Product name: Almond Milk Original
Brand: 137 Degrees
Place of origin: Thailand
Net volume: 1000ml
Best-before date: November 24, 2023
Distributor: Earth Selectives Ltd

Product name: Walnut Milk Original
Brand: 137 Degrees
Place of origin: Thailand
Net volume: 1000ml
Best-before date: November 29, 2023
Distributor: Earth Selectives Ltd

"The CFS collected the above-mentioned prepackaged almond milk and walnut milk samples from an online vendor for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the two samples contained salicylic acid at a level of 148 parts per million (ppm) and 148.4 ppm respectively," a spokesman for the CFS said.

"The CFS has informed the online vendor and distributor concerned of the irregularities and instructed them to stop sale and remove from shelves the affected products concerned. The distributor concerned has initiated a recall according to the CFS's instructions. Members of the public may call its hotline at 3767 9648 during office hours for enquiries about the recall," the spokesman added.

Salicylic acid may cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort. Under the Preservatives in Food Regulation (Cap. 132 BD), salicylic acid is not a permitted preservative in food. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction.

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

Ends/Wednesday, September 13, 2023

* Follow-up samples of the above food products tested satisfactory for preservatives. For details, please visit the website of the Centre for Food Safety.