Fish ball sample detected with methylmercury at level that may have breached Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations
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A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample from a restaurant in Mong Kok for testing when following up on an earlier relevant incident. The test result showed that the sample contained methylmercury at a level of 0.2 parts per million. The CFS' risk assessment revealed that if prolonged consumption of the compounded food occurs, the metal level concerned may pose adverse effects on health."
The spokesman said that the CFS had informed the restaurant concerned and had requested it to stop the sale of the affected product. Prosecution will be instituted should there be sufficient evidence.
"Methylmercury is the major form of mercury in fish. At high levels, mercury can affect foetal brain development, and affect vision, hearing, muscle co-ordination and memory in adults. Furthermore, as some international organisations such as the World Health Organization have pointed out, consuming predatory fish species is the main source of mercury intake for human beings. The report of the CFS' Total Diet Study has also pointed out that large fish or predatory fish species may contain high mercury levels (for example, tuna, alfonsino, shark, swordfish, marlin, orange roughy and king mackerel). Hence, groups particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of mercury, such as pregnant women, women planning pregnancy and young children, should opt for fish that are smaller in size for consumption and avoid consumption of the aforementioned types of fish to minimise excessive exposure to metal contaminants in food," he added.
According to the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations, any person who sells food with metallic contamination in an amount that is dangerous or prejudicial to health is liable upon conviction to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
The CFS will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. Investigation is ongoing.
Ends/Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Issued at HKT 18:20
Issued at HKT 18:20
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