Food Safety Report for April released
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) today (June 4) released the findings of its Food Safety Report for April. Out of the 3,700 food samples tested, three samples were found to be unsatisfactory and the overall satisfactory rate was 99.9%.
A spokesman for the CFS said that about 2,500 food samples were taken for chemical tests and the remaining 1,200 for microbiological and other tests.
The microbiological tests cover pathogens and the chemical tests detect pesticides, preservatives, metallic contamination and colouring matters, etc.
The samples included vegetables, fruits and their products; meat, poultry and their products; aquatic products; milk, milk products and frozen confections; and cereals, grains and their products.
Vegetables, fruits and products
About 1,500 samples of vegetables, fruits and their products were taken for microbiological and chemical tests. A sample of fresh green peas was found to contain colouring matters Brilliant Blue FCF and tartrazine. Colouring matters are not permitted to be used in fresh vegetables.
Results of other tests (for pesticides, metallic contamination and pathogens, etc) were satisfactory.
Meat, poultry and products
The CFS collected about 300 samples of meat, poultry and their products for microbiological and chemical tests. All the samples were satisfactory.
Aquatic products
About 200 samples, including fish, shellfish and their products, were analysed for micro-organisms, chemicals and biotoxins. A sample of chilled thread fin was found to contain the non-permitted malachite green at a level of 0.021ppm.
All the results for metallic contamination, biotoxins, preservatives and pathogens were satisfactory.
Milk, milk products and frozen confections
The CFS took about 600 samples of milk, milk products and frozen confections for microbiological and chemical analyses (including melamine, colouring matters and sweeteners). A sample of mango papaya low fat milk drink was found to contain Bacillus cereus at a level of 1.5 million per ml.
Cereals, grains and products
About 100 samples were tested for micro-organisms and chemicals. All the samples were satisfactory.
Other food commodities
The CFS took about 1,000 samples including dim sum, sushi, sashimi, condiments and sauces for tests. All the samples passed the tests.
Conclusion
The sample of mango papaya low fat milk drink was taken from a supermarket and the product was manufactured by a licensed local milk factory. The spokesman said, "The CFS has issued warning letters to the supermarket and the milk factory. It also collected follow-up samples from both premises for testing. The results were satisfactory."
The spokesman reminded the trade to establish and practise food safety control plans for milk and dairy product manufacturing such as HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point). Retailers and consumers should also store milk and milk products according to the instructions on the labels.
On the level of malachite green found in the chilled thread fin sample, and the two colouring matters found in the fresh green pea sample, which are of low toxicity, the spokesman said normal consumption should not pose significant health effects.
He urged the food trade to comply with legal requirements and follow good manufacturing practices.
Regarding the unsatisfactory samples, the CFS has taken follow-up action, including asking the concerned vendors to stop selling and dispose of the affected food, taking further samples and issuing warning letters. Prosecution will be taken if there is sufficient evidence.
Ends/Friday, June 4, 2010
