CFS urges public not to consume a batch of bottled apple juice drink with patulin concentration exceeding legal limit
******************************************************************************************
"The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample at a supermarket in Yuen Long for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained patulin at a level of 78 micrograms per kilogram, exceeding the legal limit of 50 micrograms per kilogram of the food," a spokesman for the CFS said.
Product details are as follows:
Product name: 100% PURE NZ APPLE JUICE
Brand: Homegrown
Place of origin: New Zealand
Importer: The Dairy Farm Company Limited
Volume: One litre per bottle
Best-before date: May 14, 2026
The CFS has informed the importer concerned of the irregularity. The importer concerned has stopped sale and removed from shelves the affected batch of the product, and initiated a recall according to the CFS's instructions. Members of the public may call its hotline at 2299 3966 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.
"Patulin mostly occurs in rotten apple and its products. Animal studies have shown that ingesting high doses of patulin can induce liver, spleen and kidney damage, as well as toxicity to the immune system. For humans, nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances and vomiting have been reported," the spokesman said.
According to the Harmful Substances in Food Regulations (Cap. 132AF), any person who sells apple juice or other beverages to which apple juice has been added, with patulin concentration exceeding the legal limit commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction.
The CFS will alert the trade, continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action to safeguard food safety and public health. An investigation is ongoing.
Ends/Thursday, March 26, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:57
Issued at HKT 19:57
NNNN