Prepackaged dried mango sample detected with lead at level that may have breached Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations

Food Surveillance Programme

A prepackaged dried mango sample

Product: Dried Mangoes

Brand: 7D

Place of origin: The Philippines

Manufacturer: FPD Food International, Inc

Retailer: HKTV Mall

Net weight: 200 grams per pack

Best-before date: April 15, 2021

• The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) collected the above-mentioned sample from an online shop for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained lead at a level of 1.58 parts per million (ppm). The CFS' risk assessment revealed that the metal level of the sample is dangerous or prejudicial to health.
• Long-term excessive dietary exposure to lead may cause anaemia and damage to the nervous system and kidneys.

• The CFS has informed the retailer concerned of the irregularity and instructed it to stop sale and remove from shelves the affected batch of the product. The retailer concerned has initiated a recall according to the CFS' instructions. The CFS is also tracing the source of the affected product.
• According to the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations (Cap 132V), any person who sells food with metallic contamination in an amount that is dangerous or prejudicial to health is liable upon conviction to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
• The CFS has alerted the trade and will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. Investigation is ongoing.
   

• Stop using or selling the product concerned immediately if they possess it.

• Not to consume the affected product if they have bought any.

The CFS press release

Members of the public may call the retailer's hotline at *3145 6888 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.

*This hotline has been revised on December 29, 2020