CFS urges public not to consume several kinds of milk beverage imported without import permission

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (January 28) announced that the CFS has found at the retail level four kinds of milk beverage imported from Germany without import permission approved by the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene (DFEH). The CFS called on the public not to consume the products concerned. The trade should also stop selling or using the affected products should they possess them.
 
Details of the products are as follows:
 
Product names:
1. Barebells Milkshake Chocolate Flavour
2. Barebells Milkshake Vanilla Flavour
3. Barebells Milkshake Strawberry Flavour
4. Barebells Milkshake Banana Flavour
 
Brand: Barebells
Place of origin: Germany
Importer: Vitamin Well Hong Kong Limited
Net volume: 330ml per bottle
 
A spokesman for the CFS said, "When handling a relevant complaint, the CFS found that the above-mentioned products, for which no import permission from the DFEH had been obtained, were sold at several retail outlets and online shops. The CFS immediately instructed the vendors concerned to stop selling the products concerned, and traced their source and distribution. Upon follow-up investigation, it was found that the importer concerned had imported the products. The CFS immediately instructed the importer concerned to stop selling, remove from shelves, and initiate a recall of the products in question. Enquiries about the recall can be made to the importer's hotline at 9848 1802 during office hours. Prosecution will be instituted should there be sufficient evidence."
 
According to the Milk Regulation (Cap. 132AQ), any person who sells any milk or milk beverage imported into Hong Kong from a source of manufacture other than a source of manufacture which has been approved by DFEH shall commit an offence. The maximum penalty is a fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for three months upon conviction.
 
The CFS will alert the trade to the incident and remind importers of milk products that they should comply with the requirements under the Milk Regulation. It will continue to follow up and take appropriate action to safeguard food safety and public health. An investigation is ongoing.
 
Ends/Friday, January 28, 2022