CFS continues to follow up on beef samples found to contain sulphur dioxide

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (June 12) that subsequent to an earlier announcement that two beef samples collected from a licensed food factory in North District were found to contain sulphur dioxide, the CFS collected additional beef samples for follow-up investigation at the same food factory before it stopped sale of the products concerned and disposed of the raw materials as instructed by the CFS. The results revealed that two beef samples were found to contain sulphur dioxide, contravening the provisions on preservative of the Preservatives in Food Regulation (Cap. 132BD) (the Regulation). The CFS is following up on the incident. The food factory concerned continues to suspend its business.

A spokesman for the CFS said, "When the CFS followed up on the relevant case earlier, two beef samples collected from the food factory before it stopped sales of the products concerned and disposed of the raw materials were found to contain sulphur dioxide at levels of 1 200 parts per million (ppm) and 4 800 ppm respectively."

The CFS has informed the food factory concerned of the irregularities. Upon the CFS's earlier instruction, the person-in-charge of the food factory has already stopped the sale of the products concerned and disposed of the relevant raw materials on the same day after sampling by the CFS. The relevant raw materials had not been released to the market.

According to the Regulation, contravening relevant provisions on preservatives is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment.

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, but under the Regulation it is not permitted in fresh or chilled meat. Individual meat traders have been found illegally using sulphur dioxide to make meat look fresher. 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 will continue to follow up on the incidents and take appropriate action. Prosecution will be instituted for the violation of the Regulation. The investigation is ongoing.

Ends/Friday, June 12, 2026