CFS follows up on suspected food poisoning cases involving sandwiches
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A spokesman for the CFS said, "Upon notification by the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health of a cluster of two food poisoning cases involving sandwiches produced in Hong Kong, the CFS immediately sent staff to the retail outlet concerned in Tsuen Wan to conduct investigation and take samples for testing. The retail outlet concerned has already stopped sale of the affected product according to the CFS' advice. The CFS has also provided health education on food safety and hygiene to the person-in-charge and staff concerned, and requested them to carry out a thorough cleaning and disinfection.
"Moreover, a joint follow-up investigation by the CFS and the Environmental Hygiene Branch of the FEHD revealed that the supplier concerned was suspected of operating an unlicensed food factory. Prosecution has been instituted against the person-in-charge of the premises by the FEHD earlier today. The CFS has also instructed the food premises concerned to stop production and selling of the product concerned."
The spokesman urged the public not to consume the product concerned, regardless of batches and flavours. The trade should also stop using or selling the affected product immediately if in possession.
Under the Food Business Regulation (Cap 132X), the maximum penalty for operating an unlicensed food factory is a fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction.
According to Section 54 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap 132), all food for sale in Hong Kong, whether locally produced or imported, should be fit for human consumption. An offender is subject to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction.
The CFS will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action.
Ends/Thursday, May 21, 2020
Issued at HKT 23:25
Issued at HKT 23:25
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