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CFS finds traces of malachite green in freshwater grouper sample
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     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (August 6) announced that a trace amount of malachite green was found in a freshwater grouper sample. Follow-up is in progress.

     A CFS spokesman said, "The CFS collected a sample of the aforementioned freshwater grouper from Wellcome Supermarket in Wo Che Estate, Sha Tin, under its regular Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that it contained malachite green at a level of 60 parts per billion.

     "Hong Kong law does not allow food to contain malachite green. However, based on the level of malachite green detected in the sample, adverse health effects will not be caused under normal consumption," he added.

     "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."

     The CFS has taken appropriate actions, including informing the vendor concerned of the irregularity, and will consider taking prosecution action. The vendor has stopped sale of the affected batch of the product upon the CFS' instruction. The CFS will alert the trade to the incident and trace the source and distribution of the affected product.

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

Ends/Thursday, August 6, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:50

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