Turbot fish test results released
*********************************

    The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) today (February 13) released results of tests on three turbot fish samples.

     Turbot fish was found available in the market during earlier inspections by CFS staff and the samples were collected for testing, a CFS spokesman said.

     Results available today showed that all the samples were free of malachite green and chloramphenicol, but contained trace amounts of nitrofurans.

     "The levels of nitrofurans detected were 0.0041 ppm, 0.039 ppm and 0.069 ppm respectively. Based on the detected levels, normal consumption of the fish would not pose adverse health effects," the spokesman said.
 
     The samples were taken from the Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market. The relevant stalls had been advised to stop selling turbot fish.

     The spokesman also advised local traders to suspend importing or selling turbot fish. CFS would continue to make inspections and closely monitor the situation.

     "The Government is considering regulating the import of aquatic food products. When the relevant legislation is in place, it would be against the law to import such products from improper channels."

Ends/Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:22

NNNN