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The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (April 12) noted that in view of media reports earlier on the detection of ractopamine, a leanness-enhancing agent, in beef, the CFS has followed up and collected 10 beef samples from the local market for testing of ractopamine levels. Except for two beef samples found to have slightly exceeded the maximum residue limit (MRL) laid down by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), all remaining samples tested were found to be satisfactory.
"The two beef samples were sliced beef heel muscle imported from the US, which were collected from a supermarket in Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon Bay respectively. The test results showed that the samples contained ractopamine at 13 parts per billion (ppb) and 14ppb respectively, slightly exceeding the MRL of the Codex (10ppb)," the CFS spokesman said.
Ractopamine, a beta-adrenergic agonist (њ-agonist), can promote growth and increase muscle leanness by inducing a redistribution of fat to muscle tissue in certain food animal species such as pigs and cattle after being used over a prolonged period. Despite the fact that ractopamine is permitted for use by the Codex, the CFS has noted that ractopamine is not permitted for use in food-producing animals to promote growth in some countries and regions.
Inappropriate usage of њ-agonists may leave residues in edible tissues that are of health concern for consumers. Generally speaking, as compared with clenbuterol, another њ-agonist which had led to local food-poisoning cases, ractopamine is more rapidly excreted by animals with very low level of tissue residues. Therefore, the food safety concern for ractopamine is rather low.00
Based on the levels of ractopamine detected in the above two samples, adverse health effects will not be caused under normal consumption.
"Although Hong Kong has not set an MRL on the level of ractopamine in meat, according to Section 54 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap 132), all food intended for human consumption for sale in Hong Kong, whether imported or locally produced, must be fit for human consumption," the spokesman said.
The CFS has informed the vendors concerned of the test results and advised them to stop sale of the affected batches of the products. The CFS has also informed the US authorities.
The CFS will remain vigilant and continue to monitor the beef available for sale in the market. It will also follow up on the latest assessment by international food safety authorities in a bid to safeguard food safety and public health.
Ends/Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Issued at HKT 21:27
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