CFS finds ethylene oxide in samples of canned pasta sauce

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (May 30) that samples of several kinds of canned pasta sauce were found to contain a pesticide, ethylene oxide. Members of the public should not consume the affected products. The trade should also stop using or selling the affected products immediately if they possess any of them.

Product details are as follows:

Product name: Hunts Pasta Sauce (Traditional)
Brand: Hunts
Place of origin: United States
Net weight: 24oz (680g)
Best-before date: December 26, 2024
Importer: SIMS Trading Company Limited

Product name: Hunts Pasta Sauce (Mushroom)
Brand: Hunts
Place of origin: United States
Net weight: 24oz (680g)
Best-before date: September 8, 2024
Importer: SIMS Trading Company Limited

Product name: Hunts Pasta Sauce (Garlic & Herb)
Brand: Hunts
Place of origin: United States
Net weight: 24oz (680g)
Best-before date: July 31, 2025
Importer: SIMS Trading Company Limited

A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS collected the above-mentioned samples from two supermarkets in Kowloon City and Tsing Yi for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test results showed that the samples contained a pesticide, ethylene oxide. The CFS has informed the vendors concerned of the irregularities and instructed them to stop sale and remove from shelves the affected products. According to the CFS's instructions, the importer concerned has initiated recalls on the affected products. Members of the public may call the hotline at 2262 1559 during office hours for enquiries about the recalls of the products concerned."

The spokesman continued, "The International Agency for Research on Cancer has 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 CFS will alert the trade, continue to follow up on the incidents and take appropriate action. Investigations are ongoing.

Ends/Thursday, May 30, 2024