The Centre for Food Safety

Prepackaged dried shrimp

Product details are as follows:

Product name: 特選生晒紅蝦乾 (Not available in English)
Brand: 樓上 (Not available in English)
Net weight: 151 grams
Place of origin: Hong Kong
Packer: 僑陽陸海產有限公司 (Not available in English)
Best-before date: June 15, 2023

• The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) collected the above-mentioned sample from a retail outlet in Tsuen Wan 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 name of the additive were not declared on the food label.
• Sulphur dioxide is a commonly used preservative 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, headaches and nausea after consumption.

• The CFS has informed the vendor concerned of the irregularity and instructed it to stop sale and remove from shelves the affected batch of the product. According to the CFS's instructions, the vendor concerned has initiated a recall on the affected batch of the 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 vendor's hotline at 2300 1800 during office hours for enquiries about the recall of the product concerned.

(Photograph for reference only)