Excessive cadmium found in prepackaged frozen crab samples
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Details of the products are as follows:
Product name: Frozen Cooked Brown Crab
Brand: Connemara
Place of origin: Ireland
Processing plant: Connemara Seafoods Frozen Ltd
Importer: Galleon International Limited
Expiry dates: June 6, 2019; August 24, 2019; September 14, 2019
"The CFS collected the above-mentioned crab samples for testing at import level under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test results showed that two of the three samples contained cadmium at a level of 8.3 parts per million (ppm) while another was 9.2 ppm, exceeding the legal limit of 2ppm," the spokesman said.
"The CFS has informed the importer concerned of the irregularities. The affected batches of the products have not entered the market and have been marked and sealed by the CFS. 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 spokesman said that the edible part of crabs' cephalothorax (mainly consisting of roe and internal organs such as the hepatopancreas) is generally tainted with higher levels of cadmium and other contaminants. People who consume a lot of crab should avoid consuming crabs' cephalothorax. The trade is also advised to ensure that all foods sold in Hong Kong comply with the legal requirements.
The CFS will inform the Irish authorities, continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action to safeguard food safety and public health.
Ends/Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:24
Issued at HKT 19:24
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