Supply of edible salt in Hong Kong remains stable and stock remains sufficient
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The HKSAR Government noted there were news reports that there was an obvious surge in the number of people purchasing more edible salt possibly triggered by the rumor that iodised salt can shield radiation, coupled with the concerns of potential shortage of edible salt, which resulted in emptied shelves of edible salt in some supermarkets.
A Centre for Food Safety (CFS) spokesman pointed out that "there is no scientific evidence suggesting that intake of iodine-rich food and iodised salt will prevent the physical harm brought about by radiation. In contrary, excessive intake of iodine and sodium (salt) is harmful, particularly to persons who suffer from hypertension, heart diseases or kidney diseases. Therefore, we appeal to members of the public to refrain from purchasing and eating excessive amount of edible salt."
According to the information of the Census and Statistics Department, edible salt consumed in Hong Kong mainly came from Mainland China, Malaysia and Australia while the Japanese edible salt's market share is less than one per cent. The HKSAR Government's import restrictions on the 10 metropolis/prefectures of Japan do not affect the supply of edible salt in Hong Kong.
The staff of CFS has quickly surveyed the retails points. The HKSAR Government also contacted major supermarkets and noted that the supply of salt remains steady and stock remains sufficient. Some of the shelves for salt were not timely replenished due to operational reasons instead of shortage. Relevant retail outlets will actively follow up and replenish the stock of edible salt as soon as possible. Members of public need not worry about the supply or stockpile edible salt.
With the view to enabling a better understanding of the members of public and the trade on the incapability of iodine-rich food like iodised salt in shielding radiation, CFS has provided relevant information via different channels, including publishing posts on social media, previous publications and thematic webpage. The link to the social media platform is as follows:–
m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02E5ZccP1V5v2sfb99sYDLEQn9R8dV333Q7NUkfvhRvzE8SY57aeDscyHnjmDRbMKBl&id=100069065834959&mibextid=Nif5oz
The HKSAR Government appeals to members of the public to remain calm and rational and be cautious to fake news.
Ends/Friday, August 25, 2023
Issued at HKT 23:55
Issued at HKT 23:55
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