Imports and supply of lard/lard products from Chang Guann in Taiwan and food products made with those lard/lard products on or after March 1 prohibited

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (September 14) that with effect from noon today, imports into and supply within Hong Kong all lard/lard products produced by Chang Guann Co., Ltd (Chang Guann) in Taiwan on or after March 1, 2014 (including but not limited to the products specified in the attachment); and all food products made with those lard/lard products are prohibited.

A CFS spokesman said, "According to the information from the Taiwanese authorities, the substandard lard/lard products from Chang Guann were produced from substandard ingredients such as recycled waste oils and lard for animal feeds. Since the lard/lard products so produced are subject to contamination by harmful substances such as Benzo[a]pyrene, aflatoxins and metal contaminants, and possibly pose risks to public health, the CFS decided to issue an Order in accordance with section 30(1) of the Food Safety Ordinance (Chapter 612) to prevent and reduce a possibility of danger to public health."

Importers, distributors and retailers must, within a period of 14 days from noon today, recall and dispose of the affected food that they have supplied in accordance with the specified manner set out in the Order. They must report to the FEHD within two workings days upon completion of recall.

Anyone found guilty of contravening any terms of the Order is liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for 12 months.

"The CFS will continue to liaise with Taiwanese authorities closely, conduct investigation and monitor the recall. Apart from that, the CFS will also adopt risk-based approach and enhance surveillance for edible oil and relatively high-risk foods imported from other places (including Taiwan). Samples will be tested for contaminants in order to ensure food safety," the spokesman said.

Attachment

Ends/Sunday, September 14, 2014