Frozen yoghurt sample detected with coliform bacteria and total bacterial counts exceeding legal limits
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A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample from a retail shop with a frozen confection factory licence in Kowloon City for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained 120 coliform bacteria per gram and 220 000 bacteria per gram, both exceeding the legal limits.
"The CFS conducted an investigation of the premises immediately, took food samples for laboratory testing, and informed the food premises concerned of the irregularity. The investigation revealed that the frozen yoghurt was produced in the premises concerned. The premises has already stopped selling the frozen yoghurt, and discarded the affected product according to the CFS's advice. The CFS has also provided health education on food safety and hygiene to the person-in-charge and staff of the premsises, and requested the staff to carry out a thorough cleaning and disinfection," the spokesman said.
Under the Frozen Confections Regulation (Cap. 132AC), frozen confection for sale should not contain more than 100 coliform bacteria per gram or more than 50 000 bacteria per gram. The maximum penalty for offenders is a fine of $10,000 and three months' imprisonment upon conviction. The fact that the coliform count and the total bacterial count exceeded the legal limit indicated that the hygienic conditions were unsatisfactory, but did not mean that consumption would lead to food poisoning.
The CFS will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action to safeguard food safety and public health. An investigation is ongoing.
Ends/Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:44
Issued at HKT 19:44
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