The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) - routine Food Surveillance Programme

Prepackaged bamboo shoot

Product name: Square bamboo shoot

Brand: NATURE

Net weight: 500 g

Place of origin: China

Distributor: 集森食品公司 (Not available in English)

Best-before date: 1 September, 2023

The CFS collected the bamboo shoot sample from an online shop for testing. 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 will alert the trade, continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. Investigation is ongoing.

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 trade should stop using or selling the affected batch of products immediately if they possess it.

Do not consume the affected products.

The CFS press release

Members of the public may call the hotline of the distributor, 集森食品公司 (Name not available in English), at 9034 5978 during office hours for enquiries about the recall of the product concerned.

Photos for reference only.