CFS continues to follow up on unsatisfactory sorbet sample

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (July 27) said that subsequent to the detection of excessive coliform organisms in a sample of locally made prepackaged sorbet (frozen confection), the Centre has been following up on the incident closely, including taking follow-up samples from the manufacturer concerned, and found again another mango-flavoured sample of the same batch containing a coliform count exceeding the legal limit. The CFS urged members of the public not to consume the affected product, regardless of batches. The trade should also stop using or selling the 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

"The unsatisfactory sample collected from the factory of the manufacturer contained a coliform count of 240 per gram, exceeding the legal limit. The CFS has informed the manufacturer concerned of the irregularity and instructed it to suspend production of the sorbet concerned, carry out thorough cleaning and disinfection, and review and improve its manufacturing process. Prosecution will also be considered," a CFS spokesman said.

"Although the manufacturer concerned has voluntarily stopped manufacturing the sorbet in question, for the sake of prudence, CFS staff will inspect major retail outlets to ensure that no affected product is available for sale in the market. Sorbet products of other flavours will not be affected," the spokesman further said.

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 will inform the local trade, follow up on the case closely and take appropriate actions, including collecting samples for testing when the manufacturer resumes supply of the relevant product, to safeguard food safety and public health.

Ends/Monday, July 27, 2015