Sorbet sample detected with coliform count exceeding legal limit

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (July 23) announced that a sample of locally made prepackaged sorbet (frozen confection) was found to contain a coliform count exceeding the legal limit. Follow-up is in progress. The trade should stop using or selling the affected product concerned immediately.

Product details are as follows:

Product name: Mango Gelato (Sorbet)
Distributor: da dolce Gelato Italiano
Manufacturer: Wealthy Making Limited
Volume: 450 millilitres
Best before date: February 28, 2016

A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS collected a sample of the above-mentioned product from Taste at Maritime Square, Tsing Yi, for testing under its regular Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that it contained a coliform count of 180 per gram, exceeding the legal limit."

The spokesman urged members of the public not to consume the affected batch of the product. The trade should also stop using or selling the product concerned immediately.

Under the Frozen Confections Regulation (Cap 132 sub leg AC), each gram of frozen confection for sale should not contain more than 100 coliform organisms. The maximum penalty for offenders is a fine of $10,000 and three months' imprisonment upon conviction. The fact that the coliform count exceeded the legal limit indicated that the hygienic conditions were unsatisfactory, but did not mean that consumption would lead to food poisoning.

"The CFS has informed the vendor concerned of the irregularity and instructed it to stop selling the affected product immediately. The Centre has also provided health education on food safety and hygiene for the person-in-charge and staff of the vendor concerned. Prosecution will be instituted should there be sufficient evidence. The CFS has also followed up with the manufacturer," the spokesman said.

The CFS will inform the local trade, follow up on the case closely and take appropriate actions including collecting follow-up samples for testing to safeguard food safety and public health.

Ends/Thursday, July 23, 2015