6th May 2024 – (Hong Kong) The Centre for Food Safety (CFS), a division of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, revealed today that a sample of bottled malt vinegar has tested positive for sulphur dioxide, an approved preservative for certain food products. However, the product’s label failed to declare the functional class and name of the additive. As a result, the CFS advises the public to avoid consuming the affected batch, and the trade has been instructed to cease using or selling the product immediately if they possess it.
The malt vinegar in question is sold under the brand SARSON’s and originates from the United Kingdom. It comes in a 568 millilitre volume and carries a best-before date of 31st December, 2025. The distributor responsible for the product is The Dairy Farm Company Limited.
The CFS obtained the sample from a supermarket in Ho Man Tin as part of its routine Food Surveillance Programme. Although the sulphur dioxide level in the vinegar falls below the maximum permitted limit outlined in the Preservatives in Food Regulation (Cap. 132BD), the absence of the additive’s functional class and name on the label constitutes a violation.
A spokesperson for the CFS stated, “We have notified the distributor about the irregularity and instructed them to halt sales and remove the affected batch from store shelves. The distributor has promptly initiated a recall as per our instructions. For any inquiries regarding the recall, members of the public can contact the distributor’s hotline at 2299 3966 during office hours.”
Sulphur dioxide is commonly used as a preservative in various foods, including dried vegetables, dried fruits, pickled vegetables, and salted fish products. While the compound is water-soluble and can be eliminated through washing and cooking, individuals with allergies to sulphur dioxide may experience breathing difficulties, headaches, and nausea after consumption.
The CFS spokesperson reminded the food trade that the use of preservatives must comply with the Preservatives in Food Regulation (Cap. 132BD). Additionally, the Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations (Cap. 132W) stipulate that all prepackaged food sold in Hong Kong containing sulphites at a concentration of 10 parts per million or higher must specify the functional class and name of the sulphite in the list of ingredients. Violators can face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to six months’ imprisonment upon conviction.