There
have been local food poisoning outbreaks
due to the consumption of clenbuterol
tainted pig offal.
2.
Clenbuterol
is a pharmaceutical product that has
been used in overseas countries for
the treatment of respiratory disease
in certain animal species.
3.
This
pharmaceutical product is not registered
in Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region.
Risk
Assessment and Public Health Significance
1.
The
drug clenbuterol is not used in the
treatment of pigs. However, it has
the side effect of increasing lean
meat production, which has led to
its illicit use in pig farming.
2.
Clenbuterol
accumulates in body of pigs especially
internal organs such as lungs, livers
and kidneys.
3.
Consumption
of clenbuterol tainted offal and meat
may cause symptoms like dizziness,
headache, hand tremor, palpitation
and agitation. People with heart diseases
are prone to more severe effects.
Control
Measures and Surveillance Findings
1.
In
Hong Kong, there is an established system
for screening of clenbuterol use in
pigs and source tracing of problematic
ones.
2.
Sale
of clenbuterol tainted meat or offal
is in breach of the Public Health and
Municipal Services Ordinance, Cap.132.
The maximum penalty is $50,000 and imprisonment
for 6 months.
3.
We
have also in place a comprehensive food
surveillance programme for clenbuterol
in pork and pig offal. Samples of pork
and pig offal are taken regularly from
fresh provision shops and market stalls
for testing of clenbuterol residue.
Between 1.1.1999 and 30.6.2000, 5547
such samples were tested and 22 prosecutions
were taken.
Advice
to the Public
1.
Patronize
licensed and reputable meat shops for
purchasing of pork or pig offal.
2.
There
is no cause for undue alarm in the consumption
of pork and pig offal. However, a balanced
diet is always important.
Advice
to the Trade
1.
Do
not use clenbuterol in animal feed.
2.
Obtain
the supply of pigs, pork and pig offal
from approved and reliable sources
Last
review date: 19-01-2005