Excessive cadmium found in preserved mustard and mud crab samples
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"The CFS collected the preserved mustard sample from a stall in Sai Wan Ho Market for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The result showed that it contained cadmium at a level of 0.15 parts per million (ppm), exceeding the legal limit of 0.1 ppm. As for the mud crab sample, it was collected subsequent to the CFS' earlier announcement that a mud crab sample taken from a stall in Fa Yuen Street Market in Mong Kok was found to contain excessive cadmium. The CFS detected a similar irregularity in this mud crab sample which was of a different batch taken from the same stall for testing during its follow-up investigations. The test result showed that the sample contained cadmium at a level of 4.3 ppm, exceeding the legal limit of 2 ppm," the CFS spokesman said.
"The CFS has informed the vendors concerned of the irregularities and instructed them to stop sale of the affected preserved mustard and mud crabs. The CFS is tracing the sources of the products. Should there be sufficient evidence, prosecution will be instituted," the spokesman added.
According to the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations (Cap 132V), any person who sells food with metallic contamination above the legal limits is liable upon conviction to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
The CFS will continue to follow up on the incidents and take appropriate action to safeguard food safety and public health. Investigation is ongoing.
Ends/Thursday, October 12, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:22
Issued at HKT 19:22
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