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CFS finds trace of malachite green in freshwater grouper sample
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     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (April 7) announced that a trace amount of malachite green was found in a freshwater grouper sample. Follow-up is in progress.

     A CFS spokesman said, "Subsequent to announcing earlier that a freshwater grouper sample taken from a stall in Kowloon City Market was found to contain malachite green, the CFS detected a similar irregularity in another freshwater grouper sample taken from the same stall for testing during follow-up investigations. The test result showed that it contained malachite green at a level of 5.1 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 informed the vendor concerned of the irregularity and the vendor has stopped sale of the affected product according to the earlier instructions of the CFS. The Centre will also trace the source and distribution of the affected product. Should there be sufficient evidence, prosecution will be instituted.

     The CFS will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action.
 
Ends/Friday, April 7, 2017
Issued at HKT 18:17
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