CFS urges public not to consume prepackaged rice cookies from Taiwan suspected to use non-food grade nitrogen for packaging

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (March 3) urged the public not to consume several kinds of prepackaged rice cookie imported from Taiwan because the products are suspected to be filled with non-food grade nitrogen in packaging. The trade should stop using or selling the products concerned immediately if they possess them.

     Details of the products are as follows:

Product names:
Levic Babies Rice Cookie (Carrot)
Levic Babies Rice Cookie (Pumpkin)
Levic Babies Rice Cookie (Spinach)
Levic Babies Rice Cookie (Banana)
Levic Babies Rice Cookie (Apple)
Levic Babies Rice Cookie (Purple Rice)
Brand: Levic
Place of origin: Taiwan
Manufacturer: Chanyue International Co., Ltd.
Sole importer: Full Asia Enterprises Limited

     A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS has earlier noted a notice issued by the aforesaid manufacturer and from media reports that the above-mentioned products are being recalled because the products are suspected to be filled with non-food grade nitrogen in packaging. The CFS has immediately contacted the Taiwan authority to understand the incident, and followed up with major local importers and retailers."

     Preliminary investigation found that importer Full Asia Enterprises Limited is the sole importer of the affected products. The Centre has requested the importer and the retailers concerned to stop sale of the affected products. The importer has initiated a recall according to the CFS' instructions. Enquiries about the recall can be made to the hotline at 2177 0081 during office hours.

     "If non-food grade nitrogen is used in manufacturing or packaging of food products, adverse health effects to consumers cannot be excluded," the spokesman said.

     The spokesman urged the public not to consume the affected products if they have bought any. The trade should also stop using or selling the products concerned immediately if they possess them.

     The CFS will alert the trade on the latest progress of the incident, and will continue to follow up and take appropriate action. Investigation is ongoing.