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Hydrocarbon wax allowed in chewing gum
Hydrocarbon wax will be allowed as masticatory substance in chewing gum and other products of a like nature and use, a Government spokesman announced today (Friday).
Under the Mineral Oil in Food (Amendment) Regulation published in the Gazette, the permissible level of the wax should not exceed good manufacturing practice.
The spokesman noted that the use of hydrocarbon wax in chewing gum products had been cleared in major countries.
"Mineral hydrocarbon, usually in the form of hydrocarbon wax, present in the chewing gum poses no health hazard to the consumer as studies indicated that no significant amount will be extracted when the product is chewed," he said.
"The wax remains basically non-extractable from the gum base even in extreme cases such as in the presence of various digestive juices and acids," he added.
"To allow the acceptable use of hydrocarbon wax in chewing gum and other products of a like nature is therefore in line with international practice," the spokesman said.
End/Friday, December 23, 1994
Cargo working areas and ferry terminals remain open on holidays
The Marine Department announced today (Friday) that all Public Cargo Working Areas would stay open from 7 am to 9 pm during the general holidays on December 26 and 27 and on January 2, 1995.
The working areas administered by the department are at the Western District, Sheung Wan, Wan Chai, Chai Wan, Yau Ma Tei, Kwun Tong, Cha Kwo Ling, Tsuen Wan and Rambler Channel.
A spokesman for the department said: "The Tuen Mun and Western District Public Waterfronts will also be open from 7 am to 9 pm during the holidays."