CFS investigates suspected cases of breaching Food Safety Order on fruit and seaweed products imported from Japan
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A spokesman for the CFS said, "During inspections of the food labels of the concerned consignments of food imported from Japan, the CFS respectively found five boxes of strawberries from Tochigi Prefecture which were not accompanied with a radiation certificate and an exporter certificate, as well as a seaweed product suspected to have been manufactured in Chiba Prefecture after the Order was issued. The importers concerned are thus suspected of breaching the relevant Order."
According to the Order, all aquatic products originating from the 10 metropolis/prefectures, namely Tokyo, Fukushima, Ibaraki, Miyagi, Chiba, Gunma, Tochigi, Niigata, Nagano and Saitama, are prohibited from being imported into and supplied in Hong Kong if they are harvested, manufactured, processed or packed on or after August 24, 2023, including all live, chilled, frozen, dried or otherwise preserved aquatic products, sea salt, and unprocessed or processed seaweed. In addition, all vegetables, fruits, milk, milk beverages and dried milk originating from Fukushima are banned from being imported into Hong Kong, while such foods originating from Ibaraki, Tochigi, Chiba and Gunma prefectures are allowed to be imported on the condition that they are accompanied with a radiation certificate and an exporter certificate issued by the Japanese authority certifying that the radiation levels do not exceed the guideline levels and are fit for human consumption.
The CFS will continue to follow up on the incidents and take appropriate action, including informing the Japanese authorities concerned of the incidents. Prosecutions will be instituted against the importers concerned should there be sufficient evidence. The investigation is ongoing.
Ends/Friday, November 10, 2023
Issued at HKT 14:40
Issued at HKT 14:40
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