The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (December 31) that, further to the detection of cadmium, a heavy metal, in two raw oyster samples earlier, another raw oyster sample taken from an importer/ retailer was again found to contain cadmium exceeding the legal limit.
A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS has been stepping up the surveillance of raw oysters at different levels after the detection of excessive cadmium in raw oyster samples earlier. Test results available today showed that a sample taken from "Supreme Fine Food Limited" at EW International Centre, 120-124 Texaco Road, Tsuen Wan, contained cadmium at a level of 3.3 parts per million (ppm), exceeding the legal limit of 2 ppm. According to the information provided by the vendor, the affected oysters were imported on December 18."
According to the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations (Cap 132V), any person who sells food with metallic contamination above the legal limit of the food will be prosecuted and is liable upon conviction to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for 6 months.
"Occasional consumption of oysters with cadmium at the detected level will not cause adverse health effects to consumers. However, adverse impact on the kidneys and bones cannot be ruled out over long term consumption," the spokesman said.
The CFS has informed the importer/retailer of the test result and instructed him to stop sale of the affected oysters. The importer/retailer indicated that there was no remaining stock of the affected oysters.
The spokesman said, "The CFS will alert the trade of the incident. The relevant overseas regulatory authorities will also be notified upon confirmation of the place of origin of the affected oysters. The CFS will continue to closely monitor the situation and take appropriate follow-up action."
He reminded the public that due to their specific growing nature, oysters can be easily contaminated by pathogens and chemical contaminants, and pose potential risks. Members of the public are advised to buy raw oysters from reliable licensed/permitted food premises with an endorsement from the FEHD to sell raw oysters. They should check with the shop whether the oysters are accompanied by health certificates issued by competent authorities from their places of origin stating that the oysters are suitable for consumption in the uncooked state, before placing orders; and keep raw oysters at four degrees Celsius or below during transportation and storage. Do not eat oysters raw if they are intended for consumption only after cooking. Susceptible groups, such as pregnant women, young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems or liver diseases, should avoid eating raw oysters.
A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS has been stepping up the surveillance of raw oysters at different levels after the detection of excessive cadmium in raw oyster samples earlier. Test results available today showed that a sample taken from "Supreme Fine Food Limited" at EW International Centre, 120-124 Texaco Road, Tsuen Wan, contained cadmium at a level of 3.3 parts per million (ppm), exceeding the legal limit of 2 ppm. According to the information provided by the vendor, the affected oysters were imported on December 18."
According to the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations (Cap 132V), any person who sells food with metallic contamination above the legal limit of the food will be prosecuted and is liable upon conviction to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for 6 months.
"Occasional consumption of oysters with cadmium at the detected level will not cause adverse health effects to consumers. However, adverse impact on the kidneys and bones cannot be ruled out over long term consumption," the spokesman said.
The CFS has informed the importer/retailer of the test result and instructed him to stop sale of the affected oysters. The importer/retailer indicated that there was no remaining stock of the affected oysters.
The spokesman said, "The CFS will alert the trade of the incident. The relevant overseas regulatory authorities will also be notified upon confirmation of the place of origin of the affected oysters. The CFS will continue to closely monitor the situation and take appropriate follow-up action."
He reminded the public that due to their specific growing nature, oysters can be easily contaminated by pathogens and chemical contaminants, and pose potential risks. Members of the public are advised to buy raw oysters from reliable licensed/permitted food premises with an endorsement from the FEHD to sell raw oysters. They should check with the shop whether the oysters are accompanied by health certificates issued by competent authorities from their places of origin stating that the oysters are suitable for consumption in the uncooked state, before placing orders; and keep raw oysters at four degrees Celsius or below during transportation and storage. Do not eat oysters raw if they are intended for consumption only after cooking. Susceptible groups, such as pregnant women, young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems or liver diseases, should avoid eating raw oysters.
Reprinted from HKSAR Government:
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201412/31/P201412310927.htm