Excessive metallic contaminant found in prepackaged dried mushroom and bamboo fungus samples
| Issue Date | 30.6.2016 |
|---|---|
| Source of Information | Centre for Food Safety (CFS) |
| Food Product | Dried mushroom and bamboo fungus |
| Product Name and Description | (1) Product name: Imperial Banquet Dried Mushroom |
| Reason For Issuing Alert | The CFS collected the above-mentioned dried mushroom sample from a supermarket in Tai Kok Tsui and the two bamboo fungus samples from a supermarket in Hung Hom and a retail shop in Tai Po respectively for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test results showed that the dried mushroom sample contained cadmium at a level of 2.3 per million (ppm) while the two bamboo fungus samples contained cadmimum at a level of 3.1 and 3.3 ppm respectively. After applying the conversion factors for dried foods as recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the reported cadmium levels for the dried mushroom and bamboo fungus samples were 0.21, 0.28 and 0.30 ppm respectively, exceeding the legal limit of 0.1ppm. According to the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations (Cap. 132V), any person who sells food with metallic contamination above the legal limit is liable upon conviction to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months. Based on the level of cadmium detected in the sample, adverse health effects will not be caused under normal consumption. However, consumers who have bought and still possess the affected batch of the product should stop eating it. |
| Action Taken by the Centre for Food Safety | The CFS has informed the vendor concerned of the test result and has instructed the vendor to stop the sale of the affected batch of the product. |
| Advice to the Trade | Stop using or selling the product concerned immediately. |
| Advice to Consumers | Not to consume the affected batch of the product. |
| Further Information |
Centre for Food Safety
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
2016-6-30