The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (May 15) announced that a fresh asparagus sample imported from Canada was detected with cadmium, a metallic contaminant, at a level exceeding the legal limit. The CFS is following up on the case.
"The CFS collected the above-mentioned fresh asparagus sample at import level for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained cadmium at a level of 0.21 parts per million (ppm), exceeding the legal limit of 0.1ppm. The CFS has informed the importer concerned of the test result. The CFS is tracing the source and distribution of the affected food item," a CFS spokesman said.
According to the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations (Cap 132V), any person who sells food with metallic contamination above the legal limit is liable upon conviction to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
"Based on the level of cadmium detected in the sample, adverse health effects will not be caused under usual consumption," the spokesman said.
The CFS will continue to follow up on the case and take appropriate action to safeguard food safety and public health. Investigation is ongoing.
Reprinted from HKSAR Government:
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201705/15/P2017051500882.htm