CFS urges public not to consume a kind of French raw milk cheese suspected to be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (with photo)

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (December 19) urged the public not to consume a kind of raw milk cheese imported from France due to possible contamination with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). The trade should stop using or selling the affected product immediately if they possess it.

Product details are as follows:

Product name: Plate of 5 Medals Winner Assorted Cheeses (with 4 Types of Raw Milk Cheese) (Le Plateau des Médaillés)
Brand: CANTOREL (Saveurs de Terroirs)
Place of origin: France
Net weight: 310 grams
Best-before dates: November 28, 2023 to January 9, 2024
Batch: all lots
Importer: City Super Limited

"The CFS through its Food Incident Surveillance System noted a notification from the Rappel Conso of France that the above-mentioned product is being recalled in France due to possible contamination with STEC. Upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately contacted local importers for follow-up. A preliminary investigation found that the above-mentioned importer had imported into Hong Kong the affected batches of the product concerned," a spokesman for the CFS said.

The importer concerned has stopped sale and removed the affected batches of the product from shelves and initiated a recall according to the CFS's instructions. Enquiries about the recall can be made to the importer's hotline at 2736 3866 during office hours.

"People will contract STEC-causing gastro-intestinal disease through consumption of contaminated water or undercooked and contaminated foods. Intestinal bleeding and serious complications such as hemolytic uraemic syndrome may also develop in some people," the spokesman said.

The spokesman urged consumers not to consume the affected batches of the 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, and will continue to follow up and take appropriate action. The investigation is ongoing.

Ends/Tuesday, December 19, 2023 

The Centre for Food Safety of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (December 19) urged the public not to consume a kind of raw milk cheese imported from France due to possible contamination with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli. The trade should stop using or selling the affected product immediately if they possess it.