Import and sale of raw oysters produced by Huitres Geay in France suspended
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A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS was notified by the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health of three food poisoning cases which involved consumption of raw oysters at three restaurants. The CFS conducted investigations at the restaurants concerned and found that the three restaurants had sold raw oysters produced by Huitres Geay in France which were supplied by two local suppliers. For the sake of prudence, the CFS has immediately suspended the import into and sale within Hong Kong of all raw oysters produced by Huitres Geay in France. "
The CFS will instruct the two suppliers concerned to stop supplying and selling the affected raw oysters immediately and is tracing the distribution of the affected product. The trade should also stop using or selling the product in question.
The spokesman pointed out that as oysters feed by filtering a large volume of seawater, pathogens (such as norovirus), chemical contaminants or natural toxins can accumulate in them if they are grown in or harvested from contaminated water. Regardless of the season or the region in which the oysters are harvested, consuming oysters, particularly raw or partially cooked ones, carries an inherent food safety risk. Susceptible groups, such as pregnant women, young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems or liver diseases, should avoid eating raw oysters.
The CFS will inform the French authorities and will also notify the local trade. It will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action to safeguard food safety and public health. Investigation is ongoing.
Ends/Friday, December 29, 2017
Issued at HKT 22:13
Issued at HKT 22:13
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