Tag Archives: China

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Bottled chili sauce sample in breach of food labelling regulation

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (November 24) that a sample of bottled chili sauce was found to contain sulphur dioxide, a preservative which is allowed to be used in certain foods, but the name of the additive was not declared on the food label. Members of the public should not consume the affected batch of the product. The trade should also stop using or selling the affected batch of the product immediately if they possess it.

     Product details are as follows: 

Product name: SRIRACHA HOT CHILI SAUCE 
Manufacturer: HUY FONG FOODS, INC. USA
Place of origin: United States
Net weight: 255 grams
Distributor: H.K. Rice Merchants Enterprises Ltd.
Best-before date: July 12, 2025
     
     “The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample from a supermarket in Tin Hau for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained sulphur dioxide. Although the sulphur dioxide level is below the maximum permitted level under the Preservatives in Food Regulation (Cap. 132BD), the name of the additive was not declared on the food label of the sample,” a spokesman for the CFS said.

     “The CFS has informed the vendor concerned of the irregularities and instructed them to stop sale and remove from shelves the affected batch of the product. The vendor concerned has initiated a recall according to the CFS’s instructions. Members of the public may call its hotline at 2340 0241 during office hours for enquiries about the recall,” the spokesman added.

     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. However, susceptible individuals who are allergic to this preservative may experience breathing difficulties, headache and nausea after consumption.

     The spokesman reminded the food trade that the use of preservatives in food must comply with the Preservatives in Food Regulation (Cap. 132BD). Furthermore, the Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations (Cap. 132W) require that for all prepackaged food for sale in Hong Kong containing sulphite in a concentration of 10 parts per million or more, the functional class of the sulphite and its name shall be specified in the list of ingredients. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months’ imprisonment upon conviction.

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

Speech by SCST at opening ceremony of deTour 2023 Design Festival (English only)

     ​Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, at the opening ceremony of deTour 2023 Design Festival today (November 24):
 
William (PMQ Executive Director, Mr William To), curators, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     ​Good evening. I am very delighted to be here with you all to mark the opening of deTour 2023. Our bureau is pleased to be the lead sponsor of deTour since its inception, through Create Hong Kong. As an important concurrent event of the annual Business of Design Week, deTour has become a significant design event showcasing Hong Kong as an international creative hub.
 
     ​deTour has come to its 10th edition this year, with the theme of “New Know How – Crafting Design Future”, allowing us to rethink different elements of design. I am thrilled to find out how the gifted designers carve out the future of design and create “New Craft” and, ultimately, propel social and economic growth.
 
     ​The curators of deTour bring together a selection of 20 exhibitions and installations from around the world and grouped into five new categories, namely New Value, Innovation, Craft Enhancement, Heritage and Storytelling. I am also glad to learn that many spectacular activities have been lined up. A series of workshops, designer dialogues, film screenings and guided tours will bring vibrancy to the community. 
 
     ​The Government is determined to foster the development of arts, culture and creative sectors in Hong Kong. As announced in “The Chief Executive’s 2023 Policy Address”, Create Hong Kong will be restructured to be the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency focusing on proactively promoting the development of arts, culture and creative sectors under the industry-oriented principle. We will also inject a total of $2.9 billion to the CreateSmart Initiative to provide incentives for attracting private sector capital and expanding new markets.
 
     ​Looking ahead, I anticipate more cross-sectoral, cross-genre collaborations and events like deTour to engage designers and the creative community to experience the power of design, and also to showcase Hong Kong’s uniqueness as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. I also look forward to establishing various platforms for more creations of different parts of the world in Hong Kong and exchanging innovative ideas and knowledge on design and other cultures.
 
     ​On this note, I would like to announce the opening of deTour 2023, and congratulate PMQ for organising another successful edition of Hong Kong’s premier design festival. My gratitude also goes to the curators and all exhibiting design units.
 
     ​deTour is an event for all. I wish all a wonderful and enjoyable experience at this event. Thank you. read more

East Asia