Food Surveillance Programme of the Centre for Food Safety

Prepackaged shrimp noodles

Product details are as follows:

Product name: HONGKONG SHRIMP FLAVOR NOODLE

Brand: GOURMET ALLEY

Place of origin: Hong Kong

Net weight: 454 grams per pack

Best-before date: June 11, 2023

• The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) collected the above-mentioned sample of shrimp noodles from an online shop for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained sulphur dioxide at a level of 52 parts per million (ppm), exceeding the legal limit of 20 ppm. The functional class and name of the additive were also not declared on the food label.
• Sulphur dioxide is a preservative which can be used in a variety of foods including dried vegetables, dried fruits, pickled vegetables and salted fish products. Sulphur dioxide is water soluble, and most of it can be removed through washing and cooking. However, susceptible individuals who are allergic to this preservative may experience breathing difficulties, headache and nausea after consumption.

• The CFS has informed the vendor concerned and the manufacturer which produced the shrimp noodles of the irregularities, and instructed the vendor concerned to stop sale and remove from shelves the affected batch of the product. The vendor concerned has initiated a recall according to the CFS' instructions. The CFS is also tracing the source of the affected product.
• The CFS will alert the trade, continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. Investigation is ongoing.

• Stop using or selling the affected batch of the product immediately if they possess it.

• Should not consume the affected batch of the product.

The CFS press release

Members of the public may call the hotline at 2606 8658 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.