Go to main content
 
Dried shrimp sample detected with excessive preservative
********************************************************
     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (December 5) that a loose-packed dried shrimp sample was found to contain a preservative, sulphur dioxide, at a level exceeding the legal limit. The CFS is following up on the case.
      
     "The CFS collected the abovementioned dried shrimp sample from a retail outlet in Tin Shui Wai for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained sulphur dioxide at a level of 44 parts per million (ppm), exceeding the legal limit of 30 ppm," the spokesman said.
      
     The CFS has informed the vendor concerned of the irregularity and is tracing the source of the affected product.
      
     Sulphur dioxide is a commonly used preservative in a variety of foods including dried vegetables, dried fruits, pickled vegetables and salted fish products. This preservative is of low toxicity. As it is water soluble, 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 spokesman reminded the food trade that the use of preservatives in food must comply with the Preservatives in Food Regulation (Cap 132BD). Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction.
      
     The CFS will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. Investigation is ongoing.
 
Ends/Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Issued at HKT 19:56
NNNN
Today's Press Releases