Feature Articles

(I) Reconstitution and Handling of Powdered Infant Formula (PIF)

Breast milk is the safest food for babies, but due to work or some other reasons, many mothers feed their babies with PIF. To safeguard the health of babies, here are some tips on the reconstitution and handling of PIF for mothers and mothers-to-be.

Is PIF bacteria-free?

PIF is not a sterile product. In September 2008, the media reported Enterobacter sakazakii (also called Cronobacter species) detected in PIF. Enterobacter sakazakii, commonly found in our living environment, generally causes disease only in people with weakened immune systems. Although PIF contaminated by this bacteria can cause serious illness like blood or brain infections leading to serious complications and deaths, most infected cases concern only pre-term infants or infants with weakened immunity.

Reducing the risk of bacterial contamination in PIF

Reducing the risk of Enterobacter sakazakii contamination in PIF relies on effective implementation of preventive measures by manufacturers to minimise entry of microorganisms and avoid their multiplication, such as exclusion of water from the processing environment to the extent possible and feasible. In addition, it is also required to implement monitoring and environmental management programmes, which cover all relevant elements including the processing environment, product contact surfaces and finished product.

Here are some advice for parents to reduce the risk when reconstituting and handling PIF:

(II) Hygiene Guidelines on Handling Poultry Eggs

Sources of bacterial contaminations of eggs:

1. bacteria can be introduced to eggs prior to shell formation if the hen is infected (e.g. with Salmonella);
2. faecal contamination on egg shell when eggs are released via the cloaca (where excretion of faeces also takes place);
3. contamination through environmental factors (such as farmers, pets and rodents).

Do not wash eggs

Improper washing may damage the cuticle on egg shells. Moreover, wetting the shell may facilitate the entry of microorganisms. Water left on shell surface may also enhance the survival of microorganisms on egg shells.

Many eggs sold on the market have actually been cleaned. The eggs are washed as soon as possible after they are laid, and those with cracks are removed. The surface of the eggs is sanitised with special detergents that do not damage the cuticle. Water used for washing is slightly warmer than the temperature of the eggs as water that is too hot will damage the cuticle, while cooler water will facilitate the entry of bacteria into the eggs. After washing, the eggs are dried immediately. In some cases, the eggs are sprayed with a layer of mineral oil to replace the original cuticle that may be lost during washing.

Advice to Consumers

• Purchase eggs from reliable and reputable suppliers. Observe the expiry date and storage temperature on the package/label of eggs.
• Avoid consuming cracked eggs.
• As a general rule, shell eggs need not be washed. However, eggs soiled with faecal matter should be washed (with household detergent if required). Washed eggs should be used immediately.
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw eggs.
• Avoid eating raw or inadequately cooked eggs and egg products, particularly so for the elderly, infants and pregnant women. Eggs should be thoroughly cooked until the yolk and white are firm.

(III) Arsenic in Food

The name "arsenic" may not be as common as "pishuang" in Chinese. Pishuang is an inorganic arsenic compound. Arsenic is an element that is commonly found in nature. In brief, it exists in organic and inorganic forms. In nature, arsenic is often present in igneous and sedimentary rock as inorganic arsenic compounds. They may end up in soil, air, water or become airborne. The inorganic forms are more toxic to human, whereas the organic forms are of much less concern in toxicity.

How are people exposed to arsenic?

How does arsenic end up in food?

As arsenic compounds are mostly soluble in water, arsenic is more likely to be present in seafood, especially shellfish, while arsenic present in fish is more often in the less toxic organic form. The use of arsenic-containing agricultural chemicals can lead to accumulation of arsenic in soil and plants, thus contributing to trace amount of arsenic in food. According to the Centre for Food Safety (CFS)'s Risk Assessment Study on the Dietary Exposure to Heavy Metals in Secondary School Students, their dietary exposure of inorganic arsenic per week is lower than the safety level.

What are the effects of arsenic on health?

Advice to Consumers

• Obtain food supplies from reliable sources.
• Maintain a balanced diet and avoid overindulgence of shellfish.

(IV) The Oilfish Incident

A group of students was found suffering from oily diarrhoea and discomfort after consuming fish fillet in a restaurant in February 2009. The CFS collected the fish fillet samples for DNA tests to confirm the fish species. The restaurant surrendered the remaining frozen fish fillet for disposal. The CFS also traced the origin of food to prevent the reoccurrence of similar incidents.

This case reminds us of the oilfish incident in 2007 when complaints were received from members of the public who suffered from oily diarrhoea after consumption of fish products labelled as "codfish". After investigation by the CFS, the fish products in question were believed to be "oilfish" marketed as "codfish" or using names similar to "codfish". The symptoms were suspected to be caused by the presence of indigestible wax ester in the fish products concerned. In response to the incident, a Working Group was set up by the CFS, comprising representatives from Government departments, the trade, consumer group and academics, to advise the trade in the appropriate naming and labelling of "oilfish" and "codfish" and to draw up the "Guidelines on Identification and Labelling of Oilfish / Cod". According to the Guidelines, Ruvettus pretiosus and Lepidocybium flavobrunneum for sale should be labelled as "oilfish" in English. The import and sale of oilfish is permitted in Hong Kong. However, under the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132), if any person sells to a purchaser any food which is not of the nature, or not of the substance, or not of the quality, of the food demanded by the purchaser, he shall be guilty of an offence.

Advice to Consumers

1. Oilfish may cause digestive discomfort to some individuals. If you are pregnant, have bowel problems or malabsorption, you are advised not to consume oilfish.
2. If you are eating oilfish for the first time, consume only a small portion to determine your susceptibility. If you experience gastrointestinal symptoms after eating this fish, do not consume the fish in future. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
3. Should you have any doubt about the type of fish, seek clarification from the seller.
4. Maintain a balanced diet with a variety of food.

Readers' Corner

(I) Lead Exposure in Our Everyday Life

Where does lead come from?

Lead is a metal often used in industry, such as in the production of petrol, batteries, paints and ceramic glazes. It is also used in soldering water distribution pipes and seaming food cans, and in making crystal glassware, etc. However, some of the above usages have already been or are in the process of being phased out due to advance in technology, and with the availability of unleaded petrol and unleaded paint.

How are people exposed to lead?

Breathing

As lead is an airborne contaminant, all people are exposed to a certain amount of lead through breathing. Smoking is another source of lead exposure.

Diet

For ordinary adults, diet is the main source of lead exposure. In places where lead pipes and fittings are still used, drinking water can be a source of exposure as lead may leach or dissolve from the plumbing system. However, as lead pipes and fittings are not used in the plumbing system in Hong Kong, drinking water is not a significant source of lead in the locality. Diet, air and dust are the main exposure sources for children. Young children frequently put their fingers and other objects into their mouths, and thus are more prone to ingestion of lead paint chips and house dust that may contain lead particles.

Everyday life

People in occupations such as painting and decorating, plumbing, construction work and car repair are exposed to higher levels of lead from their working environment.

In the past two to three decades, as a result of global efforts in implementing environmental control measures such as banning the use of leaded petrol and promoting better canning methods, there has been a general decline in total exposure to lead.

How does lead enter our food?

Lead presents in soil may be absorbed into plants (e.g. cereals and vegetables), and lead particles in air may accumulate on the surface of their leaves and stems. Aquatic food animals, especially shellfish, may accumulate lead from contaminated water and sediments. In addition, lead is sometimes added to food intentionally as an additive, an example of which is found in the preparation of lime-preserved eggs. Nevertheless, alternative food preservation methods are available in recent years to replace the use of lead. On the other hand, lead may be inadvertently transferred to food from lead-containing utensils such as food cans, ceramic ware and crystal glassware.

What are the health impacts of lead?

Short term exposure to high levels of lead can cause abdominal pain, vomiting and anaemia, whereas chronic low-level exposure can cause retarded cognitive and intellectual development in children. Infants, young children and foetus are more susceptible to the toxic effects of lead, especially in regard to the damages to their central nervous system. A study by the CFS showed that dietary exposure to lead among local secondary school students was well below the safety reference values, meaning that their dietary exposure to lead was unlikely to cause harmful effects.

Advice to the public

• Soak and wash vegetables, particularly leafy vegetables, thoroughly before cooking. This can greatly remove lead-contaminated dust and soil that may have deposited on the surface of the vegetables.
• Maintain a balanced diet and consume food items that may have high lead content (e.g. lime-preserved eggs and shellfish) only in moderation.
• Use containers that are designed for food, do not use ornamental containers to handle food.

(II) Listeria monocytogenes in Food

Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic bacterium commonly found in the environment, particularly in soil, vegetation, animal feed, and in human and animal faeces. The bacterium can survive and multiply at temperature as low as 0°C, but can be easily destroyed under normal cooking temperature.

High risk foods

Listeria monocytogenes is widely dispersed in the environment and foods. Ready-to-eat (RTE) foods with long shelf life (such as soft cheese) and RTE poultry and meats (such as cooked cold chicken, cold-smoked fish and unacidified jellied pork tongue) are the most hazardous, as Listeria monocytogenes may grow at low temperature when given sufficient time.

High risk groups

Advice to the consumers

• Maintain good food and personal hygiene.
• Check whether the food package is intact and the expiry date on the label is not overdue especially refrigerated RTE foods with long shelf life.
• Consume perishable foods that are precooked and ready-to-eat as soon as possible.
• Reheat leftovers thoroughly before consumption.
• Groups at risk should avoid high risk foods, such as refrigerated RTE foods with shelf life of more than 10 days, unless these foods have already been thoroughly cooked.

(III) What you should know about health food products

On the next day, during the Question and Answer session of the Talk……

Food News

Question 1: What is the relation between energy and nutrients?
After digestion and absorption, the energy in food will be released to give power for activities. Energy in food is mainly from carbohydrate, fat and protein. 1 gram of carbohydrate or protein provides 4 kilocalories (kcal) whereas 1 gram of fat provides 9 kcal.

Question 2: Is "kilocalorie", the unit for energy, the same as "calorie"?
Both "kilocalorie" and "calorie" are units for energy and 1 000 calories equal 1 kilocalorie. This is like the case for our commonly-used unit for weight where 1 000 grams in weight equal 1 kilogram. "Kilocalorie" (kcal) is the same as "Calorie" (Cal).

Question 3: What is the difference between "joule" and "calorie"?
Just as "gram", "tael" and "ounce" are all units for weight, both "joule" and "calorie" are units for energy. 1 calorie equals to approximately 4.2 joules. 1 000 joules equal 1 kilojoule (kJ).

1 000 grams = 1 kilogram
1 000 calories = 1 kilocalorie = 1kcal = 1 Cal
1 000 joules = 1 kilojoule = 1 kJ

Food Safety Plan Corner

Critical Control Point of Preparing Fried Rice with Ham and Tomato Sauce (for the public)

Ingredients

Seasoning

Steps

Production Process

Safety Tips on Production of Fried Rice with Ham and Tomato Sauce

1. Purchase
   • Purchase the ingredients from reliable and hygienic shops.
   • When buying the ingredients, make sure that
     • the ingredients are fresh and wholesome.
     • the tomato is not damaged and without bruised area.
     • the ham and mixed vegetables are refrigerated at 4℃ or below.
     • all the pre-packaged food items (e.g. tomato sauce, salt) are used before the expiry date.
2. Storage
   • Store the ingredients immediately at safe temperature.
     • Refrigerate the ham and mixed vegetables at 4℃ or below. The temperature inside the refrigerator should be checked regularly with a thermometer to ensure that the fridge remains at 4℃ or below.
   • * Practise the first-in-first-out principal for storage.
3. Preparation
   • Before cooking, wash all food contact surfaces (including worktops, chopping boards and utensils) thoroughly.
   • Before cooking / in the course of preparing food, wash hands thoroughly with warm water and liquid soap.
   • Use two different sets of utensils (including knives, chopping boards, bowls and chopsticks) to handle raw and cooked food separately.
   • Before cooking, rinse the white rice, ham, tomato and mixed vegetables. Wash the tomato under running water and rub the skin.
4. Cooling and chilling
   • Cool the rice from 60℃ to 20℃ within 2 hours, and subsequently to 4℃ within 4 hours. (CCP)
   • The cooled rice should be stored in a lidded container and refrigerated at 4℃ or below.
   • After cooling,
     • if the rice has been held at room temperature for less than 2 hours, it should be refrigerated or used before the 4-hour limit is up.
     • if the rice has been held at room temperature for 2 to 4 hours, it should be used within the 4-hour limit but should not be returned to the refrigerator.
     • if the rice has been held at room temperature for more than 4 hours, it should be discarded immediately.
5. Cooking
   • The food should be thoroughly cooked before consumption. Use a clean food thermometer to measure the core temperature of the food, which should reach at least 75℃. (CCP)
6. Consumption
   • The cooked food should be consumed as soon as possible. It should not be kept at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
   • The remaining fried rice should be discarded and should not be consumed after reheating.

Briefing of Activities

The Centre for Food Safety and World Health Organization (WHO) Joint Workshop on Total Diet Study (TDS) was held from 9 to 12 December 2008 at Hotel Nikko Hongkong, Tsimshatsui. This was the first event jointly organised by the CFS and the WHO.

TDS is recognised internationally as the most cost-effective way to estimate the average dietary intake of chemicals or nutrients for different population groups. It provides a scientific basis for risk management, which helps food safety authorities to focus their resources on chemicals and nutrients which have the highest public health risk. The four-day Workshop aimed to equip participants from different countries and regions with the knowledge and skills required for conducting TDS, and served as a platform for participants to share their experience and exchange views on the difficulties and challenges in implementing TDS.

The officiating guests of the Workshop were Dr Constance CHAN, Controller of the Centre for Food Safety, and Dr Seongsoo PARK, Scientist, Department of Food Safety, Zoonoses and Foodborne Diseases, World Health Organization. In addition to Dr PARK, the CFS was also very honoured to have the following distinguished speakers: Professor CHEN Junshi (Member, Chinese Academy of Engineering and Research Professor, National Institute for Nutrition and Food Safety, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, The People's Republic of China), Dr Gerald G MOY (former Global Environment Monitoring System / Food Manager, Department of Food Safety, Zoonoses and Foodborne Diseases, World Health Organization), Ms Julie BOORMAN (Senior Project Officer, the Scientific Strategy, International and Surveillance Section, Food Standards Australia New Zealand), and Dr Richard VANNOORT (Senior Scientist and Consultant Food Chemist, Food Safety Group, Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd, New Zealand). Other speakers of the Workshop included Dr HO Yuk-yin, Consultant (Community Medicine) (Risk Assessment and Communication), Centre for Food Safety, and Dr XIAO Ying, Food Safety Officer (Risk Assessment), Centre for Food Safety.

About 80 representatives from China, Bhutan, Chile, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Vietnam, South Africa, Macau and Hong Kong attended the Workshop. Most participants were very satisfied with the arrangements for the Workshop, and said that in the four-day Workshop, they benefited greatly from the speakers' lucid presentation, pertinent exercise and warm discussions, and, during the experience-sharing sessions, learned a lot from the precious experience of various countries and regions in implementing TDS. These would be of immense help to them for conducting their own TDS.