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A batch of chilled fish heads and chilled mud carp minced flesh, not accompanied by health certificates and believed to come from dubious sources, were marked and sealed by the Centre for Food Safety (CFS).
Acting on information, the CFS yesterday inspected a fish stall at the Cheung Sha Wan Wholesale Food Market and found the fish products in question, a CFS spokesman said today (December 8).
Test results available today showed that the fish head sample had malachite green at a level of 0.0046 ppm, while that for the mud carp minced flesh sample was satisfactory.
"The CFS is tracing the source and distribution of the chilled fish heads in question. Some 400 kilogrammes of the fish heads were disposed of.
"We would continue to closely monitor the situation and take action against fish and fish products coming through improper channels," the spokesman said.
In another development, the CFS had recently taken six vermicelli samples for the testing of formaldehyde and sulphur dioxide. Results available today showed that all the samples were satisfactory.
In following up a Mainland brand of long kou vermicelli recently found to contain non-permitted substances, a trading company claimed that they had imported vermicelli of the same brand several months ago. However, the company was unable to provide further information.
"Our inspection so far did not find the vermicelli in question available in the market. But our follow-up action will continue," the spokesman said.
The spokesman also reminded the public that as formaldehyde was soluble in water, vermicelli should be thoroughly soaked in water, washed and cooked before consumption.
Ends/Friday, December 8, 2006
Issued at HKT 22:05
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