Salmonella found in prepackaged cut fruit sample
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A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS collected the cut fruit sample at a supermarket in Quarry Bay for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed the presence of Salmonella in 25 grams of the sample, exceeding the standard of the Microbiological Guidelines for Food which states that Salmonella should not be detected in 25 grams of food."
The spokesman said that the CFS has notified the vendor concerned of the unsatisfactory test result. The CFS has also provided health education on food safety and hygiene to the person-in-charge and staff of the vendor, and requested it to review and improve the food production process and carry out thorough cleaning and disinfection.
"Salmonella infection may cause fever and gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. The effects on infants, young children, the elderly and patients with a weak immune system could be more severe and may even lead to death," the spokesman said.
According to Section 54 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap 132), all food available for sale in Hong Kong, locally produced or imported, should be fit for human consumption. An offender is subject to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction.
The CFS will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action to safeguard food safety and public health.
Ends/Thursday, March 15, 2018
Issued at HKT 18:40
Issued at HKT 18:40
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