Flavoured
Ice Beverage (FIB) has become a popular
food item in recent years.
2.
Recently,
a news report queried the safety of
FIB available on the market. We have
conducted an evaluation regarding the
safety of FIB including a special round
of surveillance and inspection.
Risk
Assessment and Public Health Significance
1.
FIB
is a blended mixture of water, ice cubes
and other food ingredients such as syrup,
juice flavour, red bean, and yoghurt.
The proportion of ice cubes and water
exceeds 80% of the final product.
2.
The
manufacturing process of FIB is relatively
simple. Potable water, ice cubes and
other food ingredients are mixed and
blended in an electric blender. The
finished products are commonly sold
in sealed disposable cups and are usually
consumed by the customers immediately.
3.
Preparation
of FIB is simple and minimal hand manipulation
is required. The chance of microbiological
hazard introduced through poor personal
hygiene is comparatively low.
4.
Even
if trace of bacteria is introduced through
improper handling of food, it is unlikely
to multiply to a significant amount
in a short period of time as FIB is
usually consumed immediately after preparation,
5.
Microbiological
hazard evaluation carried out by us
indicated that FIB(s) are not inherently
unsafe.
6.
As
a general rule of food safety and hygiene,
all FIB outlets should apply good manufacturing,
preparation and hygiene practices to
ensure the beverages sold are free from
contamination.
Control
Measures and Surveillance Findings
1.
FIB
outlets are governed by the Public Health
and Municipal Services Ordinance, Cap.
132, which requires all food sold must
be safe for human consumption.
2.
We
had conducted a special round of inspection
to all licensed food premises selling
FIB in 2000. During the inspections,
health inspectors had explained in details
to all licensees and operators the good
manufacturing practices involved in
the preparation of FIB. A pamphlet on
ˇ§Good Manufacturing Practices for Flavoured
Ice Beveragesˇ¨ had also been distributed
to all licensed food premises selling
FIB.
3.
In
1999, 26 samples were taken for surveillance.
One of these samples was found contaminated
with salmonella species. From January
2000 to July 2000, another 17 samples
were taken. One sample was found to
be unsatisfactory in terms of hygienic
quality.
Advice
to the Public
1.
Never
purchase foods from any unlicensed food
premises.
2.
The
beverages should be consumed right after
preparation.
3.
Watch
out any improper hygiene practices or
poor personal hygiene of the food handlers
at the FIB outlets.
Advice
to the Trade
1.
Avoid
using high-risk foods as ingredients
for FIB.
2.
Obtain
the ingredients from reliable sources.
3.
Observe
good manufacturing, preparation and
hygiene practices.
4.
Ingredients
should be used on a first-in-first-out
principle to avoid prolonged storage.
5.
Keep
all the equipment and utensils clean
and in good condition.
6.
If
water filters are used, they should
be checked, cleansed and replaced regularly.
Last
review date: 19-01-2005