Frozen swordfish sample imported from Indonesia detected with methylmercury exceeding legal limit
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Food name:
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Frozen Swordfish
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Country of Origin:
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Indonesia
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Metallic contaminant:
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Methylmercury
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Detected level:
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2.1 parts per million
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Maximum legal limit:
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0.5 parts per million
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Sampling location:
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The CFS collected the swordfish sample at import level.
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Remarks:
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- The CFS had informed the vendor concerned of the irregularities and the vendors have already stopped sale of the affected products according to CFS' instructions.
- Based on the level of methylmercury detected in the sample, adverse health effects would not be caused under usual consumption.
- According to the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations (Cap 132V), any person who sells food with metallic contamination above the legal limit may be prosecuted and is liable upon conviction to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
- The CFS will inform the Indonesian authorities of the incident.
- The CFS will follow up on the unsatisfactory result, including tracing the source of the food in question and taking samples for testing.
- Investigation is ongoing.
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END/ FRIDAY 13 March, 2020