CFS announces food safety report for January
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A CFS spokesman said about 600 food samples were collected for microbiological tests, and about 2 300 samples were taken for chemical and radiation level tests.
The microbiological tests covered pathogens and hygiene indicators; the chemical tests included testing for pesticides, preservatives, metallic contaminants, colouring matters, veterinary drug residues and others; and the radiation level tests included testing for radioactive caesium and iodine in samples collected from imported food from different regions.
The samples comprised about 1 200 samples of vegetables and fruit and their products; about 200 samples of cereals, grains and their products; about 300 samples of meat and poultry and their products; about 400 samples of milk, milk products and frozen confections; about 300 samples of aquatic and related products; and about 500 samples of other food commodities (including beverages, bakery products and snacks).
The eight unsatisfactory samples comprised two mango samples, a papaya sample, a Chinese kale sample and a watercress sample detected with pesticide residue exceeding the legal limit; two fresh beef samples found to contain sulphur dioxide; and a prepackaged preserved fruit sample in breach of the food labelling regulations.
The CFS has taken follow-up actions on the above-mentioned unsatisfactory samples including informing the vendors concerned of the test results, instructing them to stop selling the affected food items and tracing the sources of the food items in question.
The spokesman reminded the food trade to ensure that food is fit for human consumption and meets legal requirements. Consumers should patronise reliable shops when buying food and maintain a balanced diet to minimise food risks.
Ends/Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Issued at HKT 15:00
Issued at HKT 15:00
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