Food Surveillance Programme of the Centre for Food Safety

Prepackaged mushrooms

Product name: Pieces & Stems Button Mushrooms

Brand: Select

Distributor: PARKnSHOP (HK) Limited

Place of origin: China

Net weight: 425 grams

Best-before date: July 26, 2024

The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample from a supermarket in North Point for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained sulphur dioxide. Although the sulphur dioxide level is below the maximum permitted level under the Preservatives in Food Regulation (Cap. 132BD), the functional class and the name of the additive were not declared on the food label of the sample.

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 of the irregularities and instructed it to stop sale and remove from shelves the affected batch of the product. The distributor concerned has initiated a recall according to the CFS' instructions.

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 distributor's hotline at 2606 8658 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.