Food safety report for April released
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     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) today (May 31) released the findings of its food safety report for April. Of the 6 900 food samples tested, 17 were found to be unsatisfactory and the overall satisfactory rate was 99.8%.

     A CFS spokesman said about 2 100 food samples were taken for chemical tests, some 700 for microbiological tests and the remaining 4 000 for testing radiation levels. Among the 17 unsatisfactory samples, the test result of a fresh pork sample was announced on May 19.

     The microbiological tests cover pathogens while the chemical tests aim to detect pesticides, preservatives, metallic contamination, colouring matters and veterinary drug residues, etc.

     The samples included vegetables and fruits and their products; meat and poultry and their products; aquatic products; milk, milk products and frozen confections; and cereals, grains and their products.

Vegetables and fruits and their products
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     The CFS took about 2 400 samples of fresh vegetables, fruits, legumes, preserved vegetables and pickled fruits, dried vegetables and ready-to-eat vegetables for microbiological, chemical and radiation level analyses. One carrot sample was found to contain a metal contaminant, cadmium, at a level of 0.18 parts per million (ppm), exceeding the legal limit of 0.1 ppm.

     A spokesman for the CFS said, "Upon normal consumption, the level of cadmium found in the food sample is unlikely to pose adverse health effects to consumers. But long-term excessive consumption of carrots with the same level of cadmium may affect the kidneys. Thorough washing and soaking of vegetables will remove cadmium attached to their surfaces."

     All the remaining samples passed other tests (e.g. pathogens, pesticides and colouring matters).

Meat and poultry and their products
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     The CFS took about 300 samples of fresh, chilled and frozen pork, beef and poultry, ready-to-eat dishes of meat and poultry served at food premises, meat and poultry-made products, such as Chinese preserved meat, sausage and ham, for microbiological, chemical and radiation level analyses.

     Other than the unsatisfactory fresh pork sample announced on May 19, which was found to contain sulphur dioxide, a preservative that is forbidden to be used in fresh, chilled or frozen meat, all samples were found to be satisfactory.

Aquatic products
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     The CFS took some 900 samples of fish, shellfish, shrimp, prawn, crab, squid and their products for microbiological, chemical and radiation level analyses. One frozen razor clam meat sample was found to contain a metal contaminant, cadmium, at a level of 2.17 ppm.

     The spokesman said, "According to risk assessment, long-term excessive consumption of razor clam meat with the same level of cadmium may affect the kidneys. But it is unlikely to pose adverse health effects to consumers upon normal consumption."

     Results of other tests (e.g. pathogens, preservatives, colouring matters, biotoxins and veterinary drug residues) were found to be satisfactory.

Milk, milk products and frozen confections
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     The CFS took about 700 samples of ice-cream, cheese, milk and milk products for microbiological, chemical and radiation level analyses.

     Fourteen samples of two flavours from a consignment of frozen confections that entered Hong Kong for the first time were found to be unsatisfactory. Coliform organisms, which are a hygienic indicator, were found at levels between 120 and 1 300 per gram, exceeding the legal limit of 100 per gram.

     "The samples were collected at import level and no affected products have entered the market," the spokesman said.
     
     Results of other tests (e.g. pathogens, melamine, preservatives, colouring matters, sweeteners and veterinary drug residues) were satisfactory.

Cereals, grains and products
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     The CFS took some 300 samples of rice, noodles, flour, bread and breakfast cereal for microbiological, chemical and radiation level analyses. All samples were found to be satisfactory.

Other food commodities
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     The CFS took about 2 300 samples of mixed dishes, beverages, dim sum, sushi, sashimi, sugar, sweets, condiments, sauces, snacks, eggs and egg products for analyses. All samples were found to be satisfactory.

Conclusion
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     The spokesman advised the food trade to comply with the legal requirements and follow Good Manufacturing Practice, using permitted food additives only in an appropriate manner. Retailers should source food from reliable suppliers and maintain a good recording system to allow source tracing if necessary.

     As for frozen confections, importers should source products from reliable food manufacturers while manufacturers should ensure that the process of producing frozen confections is hygienic, including proper disinfection of equipment.

     The spokesman also reminded consumers to patronise reliable shops when buying food and to maintain a balanced diet to minimise food risk. Vegetables should be soaked and washed thoroughly before consumption. Food not for immediate consumption should be kept at safe temperatures.

     Regarding the unsatisfactory samples, the CFS has taken follow-up actions including asking the vendors concerned to stop selling the products and to dispose of the affected food, taking follow-up samples and issuing warning letters. Prosecution will be taken if there is sufficient evidence.

Ends/Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Issued at HKT 14:31

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