CFS urges public not to consume bottled fruit juice drink contaminated with patulin
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"The CFS collected the abovementioned sample at a supermarket in North Point for testing. The test result showed that the sample contained patulin at a level of 150 parts per billion (ppb), exceeding the action level of 50ppb adopted by the CFS. The level is the same as the standard of the Codex Alimentarius Commission on patulin in apple or apple juice," a CFS spokesman said.
Product details are as follows:
Product name: 100% Raw Apple Juice with Manuka Honey, Lemon & Ginger
Country of origin: New Zealand
Manufacturer: The Homegrown Juice Company
Importer: The Dairy Farm Company Limited
Volume : 1 litre per bottle
Best-before date: June 21, 2020
The CFS has informed the importer concerned of the irregularity, and the importer has stopped sale and removed from shelves the affected batch of the product and initiated a recall according to the CFS' instructions. Members of the public may call the company's hotline at 2299 1133 for enquiries about the recall during office hours. Prosecution will be instituted should there be sufficient evidence.
"Patulin mostly occurs in rotten apple and its products. Generally speaking, apple juice with a low level of patulin will not cause acute intoxification. However, studies have shown that gastrointestinal hyperaemia, distension, haemorrhage and ulceration could be resulted if animals are exposed to high levels of patulin over a short period of time," the spokesman said.
The CFS will alert the trade, continue to follow up on the case and take appropriate action to safeguard food safety and public health. A investigation is ongoing.
Ends/Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Issued at HKT 17:35
Issued at HKT 17:35
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