The Centre for Food Safety (CFS)

Prepackaged scallop-flavoured noodle sample

Product name: Scallop Noodles
Brand: Select
Place of origin: China
Net weight: 454 grams
Best-before date: September 15, 2024
Distributor: PARKnSHOP (HK) Limited

• The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample from a supermarket in Sham Shui Po 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 them to stop sale and remove from shelves the affected batch of the product. 
• The distributor concerned has initiated a recall according to the CFS's instructions.
• The CFS will alert the trade, continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. The 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 its hotline at 2606 8658 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.