The Public Can Be Assured That All Lee Kum Kee Products Are Safe
And Of Highest Quality
Media Release From Lee Kum Kee
Despite Findings Recently Reported by a UK Regulatory Agency, The Global Food Manufacturer States That It Is In Full
Compliance With All Regulatory Standards
HONG KONG, June 19 /PRNewswire Asia-AsiaNet/ -- Consumers can be assured that Lee Kum Kee has produced products well
within current guidelines, and these products now have non-detectable levels of substances identified in Food Standards
Agency (FSA) reports released recently. Samples identified in the FSA reports were all products manufactured by Lee Kum
Kee prior to new procedures introduced by the company in 1999, according to a spokesman.
"The FSA samples do not reflect the true situation of our products in the marketplace," Mr. Eddy Lee, chairman, Lee Kum
Kee, stated today. "In addition, the survey also does not recognize our accomplishments -- steps taken on our own
initiative despite the fact that scientists and agencies such as the FSA can not reach consensus about these substances.
"I can assure our loyal consumers that products meet or exceed the regulatory standards in the markets in which they
are sold. In fact, we have also invested in our own advanced testing for these substances from raw materials through to
our finished products under formal recognition by the Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme, and our findings
confirm the effectiveness of our measures."
According to scientific reports, low levels of 1,3-dichloropropan-2-ol (1,3-DCP) could be formed during the manufacture
of acid-hydrolyzed vegetable protein (acid-HVP), a seasoning ingredient of many savory foods used extensively by members
of the food and beverage industry globally. 1,3-DCP is formed from its precursor, 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD).
Since the 1980s, manufacturers have been looking for ways to change the production process to reduce levels of these
substances in their products to as low as is technically feasible.
"We understand that our role as a responsible manufacturer is one of absolute product compliance, and the industry in
general is waiting for the scientific community and regulatory agencies to all agree on the effects and safe levels of
these substances," Mr. Lee added.
Mr. Lee also stated that the management of Lee Kum Kee is concerned enough about these issues that it remains committed
and open to constant review. The company will continue to do whatever necessary to protect consumer trust and the long
and well-respected heritage of its global brand.
Established in 1888, Lee Kum Kee has evolved over decades of hard work, perseverance and above all, dedication to
excellence in product quality and service, into a world-renowned international corporation. Today, the company's
distribution network spans over 60 countries in five continents. Lee Kum Kee's products are found not only in kitchens
and store shelves in Hong Kong, but also in many other countries and cities in all corners of the world. It is the
company's vision to see that products reach every family around the world, building a culinary cultural bridge between
East and West.
Distributed on behalf of Lee Kum Kee by Ketchum Newscan
SOURCE Lee Kum Kee