As the Dragon Boat Festival approaches, families are preparing a variety of zongzi (rice dumplings) to celebrate the occasion. Whether it’s traditional pork zongzi, sweet red bean zongzi, or modern fusion flavors, the diverse ingredients used can be a delight. However, TFDA warns that some ingredients in zongzi may contain common allergens. Consumers should be cautious when purchasing and consuming zongzi to avoid allergic reactions.
According to the “Regulation of Food Allergen Labeling”, prepackaged food products containing following substances which cause an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals shall be labeled with the warning information on the package: crustacea, mango, peanut, milk, egg, nuts, sesame, cereals containing gluten, soybean and fish, and their related products. In addition, the product has over 10 mg/kg of residual sulfur dioxide from sulphites used in production.
Common ingredients in zongzi that may trigger allergic reactions include peanuts, chestnuts, soybeans, salted egg yolks, soy sauce (which may contain soy or wheat), and seafood fillings. Individuals with food allergies should select products with clear and complete labels, or confirm the ingredient details with vendors to ensure safe consumption.
Food safety is a shared responsibility. As you enjoy delicious zongzi, be mindful of allergens to ensure a safe and healthy Dragon Boat Festival for everyone!
