Sample of prepackaged candy not in compliance with nutrition label rule

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (March 19) announced that the sodium content of a prepackaged candy sample was found to be inconsistent with the declared content on its nutrition label. The CFS urged the trade to stop selling the affected product immediately, regardless of batches.

Product details are as follows:

Product name: Brown Sugar Milk Caramel
Brand: Morinaga
Place of origin: Taiwan
Manufacturer: Taiwan Morinaga Co Ltd
Net weight: 110 grams per pack
Best-before date: December 14, 2018

A spokesman for the CFS said, "Subsequent to announcing earlier that the sodium content of a candy sample taken from a supermarket in Tsuen Wan was found to be inconsistent with the declared value on its nutrition label, the CFS detected a similar irregularity in another candy sample of the same kind but of a different batch taken from a supermarket in Mong Kok for testing during follow-up investigations. The test result showed that there was a discrepancy between the actual sodium content (48 milligrams per 100g) and the declared content (20mg per 100g) on its nutrition label.

"The CFS has informed the vendor concerned of the irregularity, and the vendor has stopped sale and removed from shelves all batches of the affected product according to the CFS' instructions. Should there be sufficient evidence, prosecution will be instituted."

According to Section 61 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap 132), if any person falsely describes food or misleads as to the nature, substance or quality of the food on a label of the food sold by him or her, he or she shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction.

The CFS will inform the trade, continue to follow up on the case and take appropriate action.

Ends/Monday, March 19, 2018