Undeclared Sulfites in Dried Fructus Lycii

CONTACT: FOR RELEASE:
Jessica Chittenden Immediately, Wednesday
518-457-3136 July 11, 2007

***CONSUMER ALERT***
Undeclared Sulfites in Dried Fructus Lycii

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today warned sulfite sensitive consumers and asthmatics to avoid consuming “Dried Fructus Lycii” due to the presence of undeclared sulfites in the product.

The product was sold by Hang Fung Co, 244 Niagara Falls Blvd. Tonawanda, NY 14223. According to the product label, the Dried Fructus Lycii was distributed by Guangdong Food Import and Export Corp., Guangdong, China. The Dried Fructus Lycii is packaged in an uncoded 12 ounce plastic bag. According to the label, it is a product of China.

Routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis of the product by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the product contained high levels of sulfites which were not declared on the label. The consumption of 10 milligrams of sulfites per serving has been reported to elicit severe reactions in some asthmatics. Anaphylactic shock could occur in certain sulfite sensitive individuals upon ingesting 10 milligrams or more of sulfites.

No illnesses have been reported to date to this Department in connection with this problem. Consumers who have purchased Dried Fructus Lycii should return it to the place of purchase.