A sweetened lotus seed sample has been found containing sulphur dioxide exceeding the permitted level and the retailer has been asked to stop selling the product, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department says.

Sulphur dioxide is a permitted preservative and commonly used in foods like sweetened lotus seeds and sweetened melons. While its presence poses little health risks to average individuals, it may cause an allergic response for people sensitive to it.

The department tested another 224 samples of Lunar New Year food, including puddings, sesame balls, melon seeds and dried seafood, under its food surveillance programme. Only the sweetened lotus seed sample, collected from a store and sold in plastic bags without a brand, failed the test.

This follows test results on similar food items released last week in which 91 out of 92 samples were found satisfactory.

Sweetened lotus seeds are a popular Lunar New Year treat. Consumers should buy those with natural colour and avoid those that look extraordinarily white, as they may have been bleached with chemicals.

People who are sensitive to sulphur dioxide should be more careful in choosing festive foods.