Two ice-cream samples detected with coliform bacteria count exceeding legal limit
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A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS collected the above-mentioned ice-cream samples from two retail shops in Tsuen Wan for testing. The test results showed that the two samples contained 1 600 and 330 coliform bacteria per gram respectively, exceeding the legal limit."
"The CFS has informed the retail shops concerned of the irregularities. The retail shops have already stopped selling and discarded the affected products 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 retail shops, and requested them to carry out 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. The maximum penalty for offenders is a fine of $10,000 and three months' imprisonment upon conviction. The fact that the coliform 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 incidents and take appropriate action to safeguard food safety and public health.
Ends/Monday, October 6, 2025
Issued at HKT 22:10
Issued at HKT 22:10
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