Recall of lard manufactured by Chang Guann, Taiwan and food products made with it ends at noon today

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (September 28) that the time limit set under a food safety order on recalling lard/lard products manufactured by Chang Guann Co., Ltd (Chang Guann) in Taiwan and food products concerned by the food trade ended at noon today. The traders concerned should report the recall to the FEHD within two working days.

A CFS spokesman said, "The Centre issued a food safety order (the Order) on September 14 in accordance with section 30(1) of the Food Safety Ordinance (Chapter 612) prohibiting imports into and supply within Hong Kong all lard/lard products produced by Chang Guann on or after March 1, 2014; and all food products made with those lard/lard products.

"Importers and distributors should, in accordance with the specified manner set out in the Order, recall all food concerned they supplied within 14 days after the Order came into effect, and report to the FEHD the results of the recall within two days upon completion of the recall. Importers should also seek the advice of the FEHD on the disposal of the food concerned and submit a detailed report to the department within a week upon completion of the recall."

Anyone found guilty of contravening any terms of the Order is liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for 12 months.

The spokesman said, "The Centre has been investigating the incident and closely monitoring the recall which has been largely smooth. Upon completion of collecting and sorting out all the information, the FEHD will announce the results of the recall. The final list of traders concerned will be uploaded to the CFS' webpage later."

Ends/Sunday, September 28, 2014