Results of tests on eggs and fish

The Consultant (Community Medicine) (Risk Assessment and Communication) of the Centre for Food Safety (CFS), Dr Ho Yuk-yin, announced today (November 27) the latest test results for egg and freshwater fish samples.

Dr Ho said the results for the four duck egg samples available today showed that none was found to contain Sudan dyes.

Turning to freshwater fish samples, Dr Ho said results available today showed that trace amounts of malachite green were present in two freshwater grouper samples among the 18 samples of different kinds of freshwater fish.

On the 18 freshwater fish samples announced yesterday, results of tests on nitrofurans were all negative.

"The freshwater grouper samples tested positive for malachite green were taken from stalls at the Po On Road Market, Sham Shui Po. The CFS is tracing the source of the fish in question."

On suspension of Mainland freshwater fish to Hong Kong , Deputy Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food (Food and Environmental Hygiene), Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, said, "We learn from the Guangdong authorities that the temporary suspension is a commercial decision made by the trade on the Mainland."

He said, "In the light of detection of non-permitted substances in freshwater fish in Hong Kong , we have stepped up surveillance on imported freshwater fish to heed public concern.

"We understand the Mainland authorities have also taken corresponding measures concerning freshwater fish exports. We believe these measures will help alleviate people's worries about consuming freshwater fish."

Ends/Monday, November 27, 2006