The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (December 13) announced that a common oriental clam sample was found to contain a veterinary drug, chloramphenicol. The CFS is following up on the incident.

     A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample from a fresh provision shop in Quarry Bay for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that it contained chloramphenicol at a level of 520 micrograms per kilogram."

     According to the Harmful Substances in Food Regulations (Cap 132AF),  no fish (including shell fish) sold in Hong Kong for human consumption is allowed to contain chloramphenicol. Offenders will be liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction.

     The spokesman said, "The CFS has informed the vendor concerned of the irregularity and instructed it to stop sale of the affected product. The CFS is tracing the source of the affected product. Should there be sufficient evidence, prosecution will be instituted."

     The CFS will continue to follow up on the case and take appropriate action.

Ends/Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Issued at HKT 18:35

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