Metallic contaminant exceeds legal limit in oyster sample

Food name: Oyster
Metallic contaminant: Inorganic arsenic
Detected level:

0.58 parts per million

Maximum level of metal: 0.5 parts per million
Sampling location: A restaurant in Kwun Tong District
Remarks:

1)    The Centre for Food Safety has instructed the vendor to stop selling the affected product.

2)    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.

3)    Based on the level of inorganic arsenic detected in the sample, risk assessment showed that adverse health effects are unlikely under usual consumption.

4)    The Centre for Food Safety will continue to follow up on the unsatisfactory result, including tracing the source of the affected product and taking sample for testing.  

5)    Investigation is ongoing.

END/ Thursday, June 6, 2024