Salmonella found in prepackaged cut papaya sample
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Product details are as follows:
Product name: Thailand solo papaya
Use-by date: October 26, 2016
A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS has previously announced that a prepackaged cut papaya sample taken from a supermarket in Diamond Hill was found to contain Salmonella. In its follow-up investigation, the Centre detected a similar irregularity in another sample of the same kind but of a different batch from the same vendor. The test result showed the presence of Salmonella in a sample size of 25 grams, exceeding the standard of the Microbiological Guidelines for Food which states that Salmonella should not be detected in 25 grams of food."
The spokesman said that the CFS has informed the vendor concerned of the irregularity. Prosecution will be instituted should there be sufficient evidence. It was noted that the retail outlet concerned had stopped selling the affected product and the above-mentioned unsatisfactory sample was taken before the sale suspension. The Centre has also provided health education on food safety and hygiene for the person-in-charge and staff of the vendor concerned, and has requested the vendor to carry out thorough cleaning and disinfection.
"Salmonella infection may cause fever and gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. The effects on infants, young children, the elderly and persons with a weak immune system could be more severe and sometimes may even lead to death," he added.
The CFS will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action to safeguard food safety and public health.
Ends/Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Issued at HKT 17:55
Issued at HKT 17:55
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