Prepackaged wheat starch sample in breach of food labelling regulation

Centre for Food Safety

Prepackaged wheat starch

Product name: Wheat Starch

Brand: Lee Cheung Woo

Place of origin: Australia

Net weight: 600 grams

Best-before date: December 21, 2025

Sole agent: Shun Fat Ma Kee

• The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) collected the above-mentioned sample from a retail outlet in Sha Tin for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained sulphur dioxide. Although the sulphur dioxide level detected is within the legal limit, 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, headaches and nausea after consumption.

• The CFS has informed the sole agent concerned of the irregularity and instructed it to stop sale and remove from shelves the affected batch of the product. The sole agent 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. An investigation is ongoing.

• Stop using or selling the affected batch of the product immediately if they possess it.

• Not to consume the affected batch of the product.

The CFS press release

Members of the public may call the hotline of the sole agent at 3422 3698 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.

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