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Four ice-cream samples detected with total bacteria counts exceeding legal limit
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     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department noted today (May 6) that the total bacteria counts of four samples of ice-cream from the same batch, imported from Belgium, were found to exceed the legal limit. The CFS will continue to follow up on the case.

     Product details are as follows:

Product brand: Glacio
Product name: Tartufo Ice Cream
Place of origin: Belgium
Importer: Belgian Confectionery Co Ltd
Best before date: May 20, 2016
Weight: 100ml

     A spokesman for the CFS said, "The four ice-cream samples were collected at import level. Test results showed that the total bacteria counts of the samples ranged from 52 000 to 71 000 per gram. Under the Frozen Confections Regulation (Cap 132 AC), each gram of frozen confection for sale should not contain more than 50 000 bacteria. The maximum penalty for offenders is a fine of $10,000 and three months' imprisonment upon conviction."

     "The affected consignment was marked and sealed and did not enter the local market. The Centre has suspended the import of the ice cream in question and informed the Belgian authorities for follow-up. The trade will also be alerted to the incident," the spokesman said.

     The fact that the total bacteria counts exceeded the legal limit indicated that the hygienic conditions were unsatisfactory, but did not mean it would lead to food poisoning. The CFS will continue to follow up on the case, the spokesman noted.

Ends/Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Issued at HKT 21:03

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