The Hong Kong Centre for Food Safety (CFS) has banned the sale of a Japanese candy brand because of alleged labelling misinformation.
A sample of the prepackaged confectionery did not contain dietary fibre, which was inconsistent with its nutrition label, said the CFS. It has asked shops to stop selling the product, Peko Milk Candy, which comes in packs of 115g and is distributed by Kiu Fung Hong. Its best-before date is November 2, 2016.
The CFS says the sample was taken from a department store in Tsuen Wan under its regular Food Surveillance Program, and another sample, but from a different batch, was collected from the same department store for follow-up investigations. Again, the product did not contain dietary fibre, which the nutrition label listed as an ingredient at the rate of 1.4g per 100g.
The vendor concerned has removed the candy from its shelves, and the CFS has followed up with the distributor.
According to the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, the sale of food with false or misleading labels is liable to a fine of up to HK$50,000 (US$6442) and six months’ imprisonment.