Eggs imported from Poland suspected to be contaminated with Salmonella

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (October 26) urged the public not to consume eggs imported from Poland with the marking code "3PL30221321", as the products might have been contaminated with a pathogen, Salmonella. The trade should also stop using or selling the products concerned immediately should they still possess them.

"The CFS has learned that a batch of eggs produced in Poland with the marking code '3PL30221321' might have been contaminated with Salmonella under the routine Food Incident Surveillance System. Our investigation revealed that two Hong Kong importers, Yee Tai Trading Company and Winbo Trading International Company Limited, had imported in different batches a total of 4730 cartons and 961 cartons of the affected eggs from Poland respectively. The affected batches of product all have the marking code '3PL30221321' with expiry dates of November 2, 2016, November 8, 2016, November 9, 2016, November 16, 2016, November 23, 2016 and November 30, 2016. The CFS has contacted the two importers. According to the information provided by them, they have no remaining stock of the affected eggs and the products have been sold to wholesalers. The CFS has instructed the two importers to initiate a recall of the affected products. For enquiries about the recall, members of the public may call Yee Tai Trading Company at 2547 5274 and Winbo Trading International Company Limited at 2271 4862 during office hours. Besides, the CFS is also tracing the distribution of the affected products," a spokesman for the CFS said.

The spokesman said that the CFS had contacted the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed of the European Commission over the incident and would alert the trade to stop using or selling the affected products immediately should they possess them.

"Salmonella infection may cause fever and gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. The effects on infants, young children, the elderly and persons with a weak immune system could be more severe and sometimes may even lead to death. Generally speaking, Salmonella cannot survive under high temperature and can be killed by thorough cooking," he added.

The spokesman advises consumers, particularly the elderly, infants and pregnant women, to avoid eating raw or inadequately cooked eggs and egg products. Eggs should be thoroughly cooked until the yolk and white are firm. Consumers should choose pasteurised eggs or egg products or dried egg powder to prepare dishes not requiring heat treatment.

He urged members of the public to stop consuming the affected products if they have purchased any, and to seek medical advice if they feel sick upon consumption.

The CFS will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. Investigation is ongoing.


Ends/Wednesday, October 26, 2016