The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department in Hong Kong is asking people not to consume fresh bamboo shoot, which contains unpermitted preservative sulphur dioxide.
Though sulphur dioxide is commonly used as preservative in a wide range of foods, it is not supposed to be used in fresh bamboo shoots.
Sulphur dioxide is a low toxic preservative, and can be removed through washing and cooking due to its water soluble nature.
However, people allergic to sulphur dioxide may experience symptoms of shortness of breath, headache and nausea.
CFS tested a sample of loose-pack fresh bamboo shoot from Justjoy, as part of its regular Food Surveillance Programme. It found that the product contained 180 parts per million of sulphur dioxide.
The vendor has been informed to stop selling the affected product.
CFS will follow up the case, and take appropriate actions including tracing the source and distribution of the affected product.
