Replies to LegCo questions

LCQ8: Vegetarian products containing ingredients of animal origin

Following is a question by the Hon Fred Li and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr York Chow, in the Legislative Council today (March 2):


Question:


According to the findings of a test on pre-packed vegetarian food products, published by the Consumer Council in mid-January this year, 14 out of the 18 test samples were found to contain one or two species of animal genes. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:


(a) whether it has studied the sources of animal genes in such vegetarian food samples;


(b) of the measures in place to protect vegetarians from unknowingly purchasing vegetarian food products carrying animal genes; and


(c) whether it will expedite the implementation of a genetically-modified food labelling system, so as to protect consumers' right to information?


Reply:


(a) According to the test conducted by the Consumer Council, the main ingredient of vegetarian products is texturised soy proteins. During the manufacturing process of the vegetarian products, other ingredients are added to function as binder. Some of the binders, such as egg white, milk proteins and gelatin, may be derived from ingredients of animal origin. This would result in animal genes being found in the vegetarian products.


(b) The Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations stipulate that prepackaged food shall be legibly marked or labelled with a list of ingredients. the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will remind the trade to follow the requirement of the relevant regulations. In addition, FEHD will enhance public education on ingredients of animal origins through publication and upload relevant information on to its website. Consumers who would like to avoid purchasing vegetarian products containing ingredients of animal origin should also study the ingredient list before purchase.


(c) There is at present no international consensus on the labelling of genetically modified foods. The Government will follow closely discussions and development in this aspect for appropriate follow up action to be taken. In response to consumers' increasing demand for more product information, in addition to encouraging the trade to label the genetically modified food on a voluntary basis, we will develop a set of guidelines to facilitate the trade to make truthful claims of genetically modified foods. We are currently considering the draft text of the guidelines.



Ends/Wednesday, March 2, 2005

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