The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) of the European Commission

Prepackaged cheese sauce

Product name: DIP NACHO CHEESE STYLE

Brand: Santa Maria

Place of origin: The Netherlands

Pack size: 250 grams

Batch code: 2329019 and 2329231

Best-before date: June 7, 2025 and June 20, 2025

Importer: Pear & Carrot Limited

The CFS received a notification from the RASFF of the European Commission that the above-mentioned batches of product might have been contaminated with Bacillus cereus and are being recalled.

Bacillus cereus is commonly found in the environment. Unhygienic conditions in food processing and storage may give rise to its growth. Consuming food contaminated with excessive Bacillus cereus or its heat-stable toxins may cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhoea.

Upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately contacted the concerned local importer for follow-up. A preliminary investigation found that the above-mentioned importer had ordered and imported into Hong Kong the affected batches of the product concerned. The importer concerned has stopped sales, has removed the affected product from shelves and has initiated a recall according to the instructions of the CFS. The CFS will also mark and seal the product ordered by the importer upon its arrival to Hong Kong and ensure that the product will not enter the local market.

The trade should stop using or selling the product concerned immediately if they possess it.

Not to consume the affected product if they have bought any.

The CFS press release

Members of the public may call the hotline of the importer at 3616 0248 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.