Prepackaged bamboo fungi sample detected with sulphur dioxide, a preservative, exceeding legal limit and in breach of food labelling regulation

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS)

Prepackaged bamboo fungi

Product name: Dried bamboo fungi

Brand: (Not available in English)

Place of origin: China

Packer: (Not available in English)

Net weight: 100 grams per pack

Best before date: December 18, 2026

Importer：Jin Fa Co

• The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample of prepackaged bamboo fungi from an online vendor for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained sulphur dioxide at a level of 9,600 parts per million (ppm), exceeding the legal limit of 500 ppm. The functional class and name of the additive were also 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. This preservative 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, headaches and nausea after consumption.

• The CFS has informed the vendor concerned of the irregularities and instructed it to stop sales and remove from shelves the affected batch of the product. The importer concerned has initiated a recall according to the CFS' instructions.
• The CFS is also tracing the source of the affected product.
• The CFS will alert the trade, continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. An investigation is ongoing.

• Stop using or selling the affected batch of the product immediately if in possession.

• Not to consume the affected batch of the product.

The CFS press release

Members of the public may call the importer's hotline at 2658 8335 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.