Excessive metallic contaminant found in prepackaged dried mushroom sample
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Details of the product are as follows:
Product name: Dried mushroom
Brand name: English name not available
Place of origin: China
Packer: English name not available
Best-before date: August 1, 2017
Net weight: 0.5 catty per pack
"The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample from a retail outlet in North Point for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained cadmium at a level of 1.5 parts per million (ppm). After applying the conversion factors for dried foods as recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the reported cadmium level for the dried mushroom sample was 0.135ppm, exceeding the legal limit of 0.1ppm. The CFS has informed the vendor concerned of the test result and instructed it to stop selling the affected batch of the product. The CFS is tracing the source of the product concerned," a CFS spokesman said.
According to the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations (Cap 132V), any person who sells food with metallic contamination above the legal limit is liable upon conviction to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
"Based on the level of cadmium detected in the sample, adverse health effects will not be caused under normal consumption. However, consumers who have bought and still possess the affected batch of the product should stop eating it," the spokesman said.
The CFS will alert the trade, continue to follow up on the case and take appropriate action. Investigation is ongoing.
Ends/Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:22
Issued at HKT 19:22
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