The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced on August 29 that a prepackaged rice noodle sample imported from Taiwan tested positive for trace amounts of formaldehyde. Authorities have ordered an immediate halt to sales and initiated a recall of affected batches, urging consumers and businesses to avoid the product.
Background and Immediate Actions
The implicated product is Hsin Tung Yang Hsinchu Rice Noodles (300g), distributed locally by B&S Company, with a best-before date of April 10, 2029. The CFS detected 12 parts per million (ppm) of formaldehyde in a sample collected from an online retailer as part of routine food surveillance.
Upon confirmation, the CFS notified the distributor and instructed a full stop-sale, removal from shelves, and recall of the affected batch. An inspection of the distributor’s warehouse uncovered approximately 450 cartons of the same batch, which were immediately sealed. Consumers who purchased the product are urged to contact B&S Company at 3628 7800 during business hours for recall details.
Health Risks and Regulatory Context
Formaldehyde is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a Group 1 carcinogen, but this designation applies specifically to inhalation exposure. According to the World Health Organization, oral ingestion of formaldehyde does not pose a carcinogenic risk. The CFS clarified that consumption of the noodles at the detected concentration is unlikely to cause adverse health effects under normal eating habits.
Nevertheless, Hong Kong law prohibits the use of formaldehyde as a food preservative. Violators face a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and six months’ imprisonment. The CFS has stepped up testing at both import and retail levels, analyzing over 70 food samples—including cabbage, vegetables, and rice noodles—since the incident. No other non-compliant results have been reported to date.
Broader Surveillance and Consumer Safety
Between January 2023 and July 2026, the CFS tested over 175 rice noodle samples for various contaminants, including formaldehyde. All previous samples passed inspection. This isolated case underscores the importance of vigilance in imported food safety.
Authorities recommend that consumers buy from reputable suppliers and take simple precautions: rinse food thoroughly before cooking and ensure it is fully cooked, as formaldehyde is water-soluble and highly volatile. For the food industry, the incident serves as a reminder to verify sourcing practices and work only with trustworthy distributors.
What’s Next?
The CFS continues its investigation and will consider further enforcement actions. Retailers and importers are reminded to remain alert to regulatory updates. For the public, this event highlights the effectiveness of Hong Kong’s food surveillance system in catching potential hazards early. Consumers seeking more information can visit the CFS website or call the distributor’s recall hotline.