Excessive cadmium found in imported cooked snow crab sample
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Details of the products are as follows:
Product name: Cooked Snow Crab
Place of origin: Japan
Importer: Fortune Island Food Ltd
Retailer: AEON, 88 Tai Ho Road, Tsuen Wan
Use-by date: October 6, 2016
"Subsequent to announcing that crab samples collected at several retail outlets were detected with excessive cadmium earlier, the CFS further found a crab sample of the same kind collected from one of the outlets containing cadmium at a level of 8.1 parts per million (ppm), exceeding the legal limit of 2ppm," the spokesman said.
"The CFS has informed the importer and retailer concerned of the irregularity and learned that they have stopped sale of the product in question. The CFS is also tracing the source and distribution of the affected product. Should there be sufficient evidence, prosecution will be instituted," the spokesman added.
According to the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations (Cap 132V), any person who sells food with metallic contamination above the legal limits is liable upon conviction to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
The spokesman said that edible portion of crabs' cephalothorax (mainly consists of internal organs like crab roes and hepatopancreas) are generally tainted with higher levels of cadmium and other contaminants. People who consume more crabs should avoid consuming crabs' cephalothorax. The trade is also advised to ensure that all foods sold in Hong Kong comply with the legal requirements.
The CFS will inform the Japanese authorities, as well as closely follow up on the incident and take appropriate action to safeguard food safety and public health.
Ends/Friday, October 14, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:40
Issued at HKT 19:40
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