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The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) today (December 28) released the results of tests for malachite green in 134 samples of aquatic products, including a variety of fish, shrimp and shellfish. Except one imported frozen bream fillet sample which was detected to have a trace amount of malachite green, results for all the samples were satisfactory.
"The level of malachite green detected was 0.0031ppm. Under Hong Kong law, malachite green is not allowed in any food. At the detected level, normal consumption should not pose any adverse health effects," a CFS spokesman said.
"The sample was collected from a supermarket in Tsim Sha Tsui. The CFS has taken follow-up actions, including issuing a warning letter to the supermarket and taking further sample for testing. The supermarket has surrendered the remaining stock of the frozen bream fillet. The CFS is tracing the information about the importation and distribution of the fish product in question. If there is sufficient evidence, it would consider taking out prosecution," a CFS spokesman said.
Under the Harmful Substances in Food Regulations (Chapter 132AF), no one shall sell, for human consumption, any food which contains malachite green. Offenders, if convicted, are liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment.
Ends/Friday, December 28, 2007
Issued at HKT 20:31
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