CFS urges the trade to stop selling a batch of canned fried dace
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     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (November 17) urged the trade to immediately stop selling a batch of canned fried dace which was found to contain a trace amount of malachite green. 

     Product details are as follows:

Product name: Pearl River Bridge fried dace with salted black beans
Place of origin: China
Net weight: 227 grams
Best before date: May 21, 2018

     A CFS spokesman said, "While investigating a food complaint, the CFS found the above-mentioned batch of canned fried dace which was detected to contain a trace amount (0.78 parts per billion) of malachite green in a shop in Sham Shui Po. The CFS has instructed the vendor to stop sale and remove from shelves the affected batch of the product. The importer/distributor concerned, On Chak Trading Co. has also voluntarily initiated a recall. Members of the public may call the hotline of the importer/distributor at 2540 1215 during office hours for enquiries about the recall."

     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.

     "Based on the level of  malachite green detected in the product concerned, adverse health effects will not be caused under usual consumption." the spokesman said.

     The CFS will alert the trade to the incident, continue to follow up and take appropriate action. Investigation is ongoing.

Ends/Friday, November 17, 2017
Issued at HKT 21:12

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