CFS urges public not to consume loaf from France with possible presence of ethylene oxide

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (January 21) urged the public not to consume a kind of loaf imported from France because the sesame seeds used in the product concerned were found with a possible carcinogenic substance, ethylene oxide. The trade should stop using or selling the product concerned immediately if they possess it.

Details of the product are as follows:
 
Product name: BIOFOURNIL Organic Multigrain Mini Loaves
Place of origin: France
Net weight: 360 grams per pack
Importer: City Super Limited
Barcode: 3419390404928
Best-before dates: February 24, 2021, and March 10, 2021

A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS received a notification from the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) of the European Commission that the sesame used in the above-mentioned product was found with a possible carcinogenic substance, ethylene oxide, and is being recalled. According to the information provided by the RASFF, the affected product has been imported into Hong Kong. Upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately contacted the local importer for follow-up."

Preliminary investigations found that importer City Super Limited had imported some of the affected product into Hong Kong. The affected product was sold in its chain stores and all of the affected product had been sold out. The importer has initiated a recall according to the CFS' instructions. Enquiries about the recall can be made to the hotline at 2736 3866 during office hours.

The spokesman urged consumers not to consume the affected product if they have bought any. The trade should also stop using or selling the product concerned immediately if they possess it.
      
The CFS will alert the trade to the incident, continue to follow up and take appropriate action. Investigation is ongoing.
 
Ends/Thursday, January 21, 2021