Update on CFS' investigation on suspension of import and sale of raw oysters produced by Huitres Geay in France

******************************************************************************************

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department yesterday had suspended the import into and sale within Hong Kong of raw oysters produced by Huitres Geay in France in view of three food poisoning cases suspected to be related to consumption of raw oysters. The CFS said today (Decemeber 30) that further investigation found that two more local importers had imported and sold raw oysters produced by Huitres Geay in France according to the latest information provided by the exporter. The CFS urged the trade again to stop using or selling the product concerned if they possess it. Members of the public should not consume the product concerned if they had bought it.

     A spokesman for the CFS said, "CFS investigation into three food poisoning cases notified by the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health yesterday found that the cases suspected to be related to raw oysters produced by Huitres Geay in France which were supplied by two local importers. For the sake of prudence, the CFS had suspended the import into and sale within Hong Kong of all raw oysters produced by Huitres Geay in France and the two importers concerned had stopped supplying and selling the affected raw oysters, and had initiated a recall according to CFS' instructions. CFS further investigation found that two more local importers, Taylor Finefoods (Asia) Limited and City Super Limited had imported and sold raw oysters produced by Huitres Geay in France at retail level. The two importers concerned have immediately stopped supplying and selling the affected product, as well as initiating a recall according to CFS' instructions. Members of the public may call the Taylor Finefoods (Asia) Limited's hotline at 2897 9313 and City Super Limited's hotline at 2736 3866 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.

     The spokesman pointed out that as oysters feed by filtering a large volume of seawater, pathogens (such as norovirus), chemical contaminants or natural toxins can accumulate in them if they are grown in or harvested from contaminated water. Regardless of the season or the region in which the oysters are harvested, consuming oysters, particularly raw or partially cooked ones, carries an inherent food safety risk. Susceptible groups, such as pregnant women, young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems or liver diseases, should avoid eating raw oysters.

     The CFS has informed the French authorities and also notified the local trade. It will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action to safeguard food safety and public health. Investigation is ongoing.

Ends/Saturday, December 30, 2017
Issued at HKT 20:12

NNNN

Archives Yesterday's Press Releases

Back to Index Page

Today's Press Releases