**********************************************************
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (March 30) announced that a spotted scat sample was found to contain a trace amount of malachite green. Follow-up is in progress.
A CFS spokesman said, "Subsequent to the detection of malachite green in a spotted scat sample last week, the CFS has enhanced sample-taking in markets for testing, and found a sample of spotted scat collected from stall No. F16 on the ground floor of Tai Po Hui Market, Tai Po, containing a trace amount of malachite green at a level of 10 parts per billion.
"Malachite green is a type of industrial dye and has been used for treating infection in fish. Major agricultural economies such as the Mainland, the European Union, Canada and the United States prohibit the use of the chemical in food fish. According to the Harmful Substances in Food Regulations (Cap. 132AF), no food sold in Hong Kong is allowed to contain malachite green. Offenders will be prosecuted and will be liable to a fine of $50,000 and to imprisonment for six months upon conviction."
The CFS has taken follow-up action, including informing the vendor concerned of the irregularity and instructing them to stop sale of the affected batch of the product. The vendor noted that there was no remaining stock of the affected product. The CFS has also contacted the supplier and instructed them to stop sale of the affected product. The CFS will trace the source and distribution of the affected product. Prosecution will be instituted should there be sufficient evidence.
The CFS will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. Investigation is ongoing.
Ends/Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:52
NNNN
