The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) discovered an imported packaged cake product sold locally that contained excessive amounts of sorbic acid preservatives through the bureau’s routine food sample testing, according to an IAM statement on Saturday.
The packaged cake, according to the statement, “CIAMBELLA Coated Cake with Banana flavoured cream filling”, was found to contain excessive amounts of sorbic acid, imported from an Italian company identified as “Massimo”
The statement pointed out that the problematic packaged cake was found to contain 1,600 mg of sorbic acid per kilogramme.
The bureau has ordered shops to stop selling the problematic products, and it urged consumers not to eat them, the statement said, which did not elaborate on the health standards involved.
The bureau reminded traders to source food only from reliable suppliers and not to purchase and sell food if they have doubts about its hygiene and safety, while for consumers, the statement urged them to maintain a balanced diet to avoid an excessive intake of a particular substance.
*“Sorbic acid” is a naturally occurring organic compound used as a preservative in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals due to its ability to inhibit the growth of mould, yeast, and some bacteria. – DeepSeek
This undated handout photo provided by the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) on Saturday shows the problematic packaged cakes from Italy found to contain excessive sorbic acid preservatives.
