CFS' response to media enquiries about import ban of meat and poultry meat from Brazil

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     In response to media enquiries about the latest development of the import ban of meat and poultry meat from Brazil, a spokesman for the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said today (March 22) that the Centre has enhanced its surveillance on meat and poultry meat from Brazil since March 21 and ten samples were taken for testing of meat deterioration yesterday. The test results showed that all samples were satisfactory.

     Furthermore, according to the updated information on the latest progress of investigation provided by the Consulate General of Brazil in Hong Kong today, among the 21 companies which are under investigation by the Brazilian authorities, there are records showing that five of them have exported meat and poultry meat from Brazil to Hong Kong. They are FRANGO D M INDUSTRIA E COMERCIO DE ALIMENTOS LTDA (SIF 270), SEARA ALIMENTOS LTDA (SIF 530), BRF S/A (SIF 1010), JJZ ALIMENTOS S.A. (SIF 2156) and FRIGORIFICO LARISSA LTDA (SIF3704), with four of them being investigated by the Brazilian authorities because of suspected involvement in fraudulent acts while there is no evidence showing that their meat products have food safety or quality problems. The BRF S/A (SIF 1010) has been instructed by the Brazilian authorities to suspend its operation and export of its meat and poultry meat products as a precautionary measure since its poultry meat was suspected of containing Salmonella and failed to meet the European Union's special requirements on raw meat. As raw meat needs cooking, there is generally no specific regulation on Salmonella in raw meat. According to the information available so far, no country or area has conducted recall of meat or poultry meat imported from Brazil due to the above-mentioned incident. The CFS will continue to liaise with the Brazilian authorities to obtain more details for further assessment and follow-up actions.

     The spokesman said it is not uncommon to find Salmonella in poultry meat. Members of the public are advised to cook meat and poultry meat thoroughly to have Salmonella effectively destroyed before consumption.

     The CFS will continue to enhance surveillance on meat and poultry meat imported from Brazil and closely monitor the case. The Centre will suitably review its follow-up actions in response to the latest development. Investigation is ongoing.

Ends/Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Issued at HKT 23:53

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