​The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (June 17) that a sample of prepackaged black pepper was found to contain a pesticide, ethylene oxide. Members of the public should not consume the affected product. The trade should also stop using or selling the affected product immediately if they possess it.

     Product details are as follows:

Product name: I Love Black Pepper with Grinders 170g
Brand: CAPE FOODS
Place of origin: South Africa
Net weight: 170 grams
Best-before date: November 18, 2027
Distributor: EASTERN ZONE CO. LTD.

     A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample from an online vendor for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained a pesticide, ethylene oxide. The CFS has informed the vendor concerned of the irregularity and instructed it to stop sales and remove from shelves the affected product. According to the CFS's instructions, the distributor concerned has initiated a recall on the affected product. Members of the public may call its hotline at 2898 8632 for enquiries about the recall of the product concerned."

     The spokesman continued, "The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified ethylene oxide as a Group 1 carcinogen. According to the Pesticide Residues in Food Regulation (Cap. 132CM), a food for human consumption containing pesticide residue may only be sold if consumption of the food is not dangerous or prejudicial to health. An offender is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and to imprisonment for six months upon conviction."

     The CFS will alert the trade, continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. An investigation is ongoing.

Ends/Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Issued at HKT 20:24

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