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Popsicle sample detected with total bacterial count exceeding legal limit
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     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (April 16) announced that a mango flavour popsicle sample was found to contain a total bacterial count exceeding the legal limit. Follow-up is in progress.
 
     A spokesman for the CFS said, "The Centre collected the above-mentioned sample from the premises of a frozen confection factory in Kwun Tong for testing under its regular Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained a total bacterial count of 130 000 per gram, exceeding the legal limit."
 
     Under the Frozen Confections Regulation (Cap 132AC), frozen confection for sale should not contain more than 50 000 bacteria per gram. The maximum penalty for offenders is a fine of $10,000 and three months' imprisonment upon conviction. The fact that the total bacterial count exceeded the legal limit indicated that the hygienic conditions were unsatisfactory, but did not mean that consumption would lead to food poisoning.
 
     "The CFS has informed the premises concerned of the irregularity and instructed it to immediately stop supplying the affected product and selling it at its retail outlets. The CFS will provide health education on food safety and hygiene for the person-in-charge and staff concerned, and request them to carry out thorough cleaning and disinfection," the spokesman said.
 
     The CFS will continue to follow up on the case and take appropriate action to safeguard food safety and public health.
 
Ends/Monday, April 16, 2018
Issued at HKT 19:05
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