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The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) today (April 20) announced the results of a targeted food surveillance project to assess the use of sulphur dioxide in meat. Four samples, all beef, out of 151 meat samples were found to contain a preservative forbidden to be used in fresh, chilled or frozen meat.
A CFS spokesman said tests were conducted on beef, pork and mutton which had been collected at fresh provision shops and market stalls between February and March.
The four beef samples were found to contain sulphur dioxide at levels between 110 parts per million and 3,900ppm. They were collected from four stalls whose vendors are first-time offenders.
"Individual meat traders have been found using sulphur dioxide to make the meat look fresher.
"Sulphur dioxide is water soluble and most can be removed through washing and cooking. Based on the levels detected, normal consumption should not pose any adverse health effects. But people who are allergic to the preservative may feel respiratory discomfort, headaches and nausea," the spokesman said.
Regarding the unsatisfactory samples, the CFS has taken follow-up action, including collecting follow-up samples and issuing warning letters to the shop operators concerned.
Under the Preservatives in Food Regulation, selling fresh, chilled or frozen meat containing sulphur dioxide is an offence and the maximum penalty is a fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will register demerit points against the fresh provision shop according to the Demerit Points System for licensed food premises. For repeat offenders, the penalty of suspension or cancellation of licence will be imposed. For public market stalls, tenancy may be terminated according to the current mechanism.
The spokesman appealed to the food trade not to use sulphur dioxide in fresh, chilled or frozen meat and to comply with the law.
"We will continue to closely monitor the sale of meat by previous offenders and make blitz inspections to ensure compliance. If there is sufficient evidence, prosecutions will be launched and the penalty will be imposed according to the Demerit Points System," he added.
Ends/Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Issued at HKT 15:03
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