Veterinary drug chloramphenicol found in common oriental clam sample

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (November 12) that a sample of common oriental clam was detected with a veterinary drug, chloramphenicol. The CFS is following up on the case.

"The CFS collected the sample of common oriental clam from a market stall in Kowloon City for testing under its regular Food Surveillance Programme. Test result showed that the sample contained chloramphenicol at 0.4 microgram per kilogram," the spokesman said.

The spokesman noted that based on the level of chloramphenicol detected in the sample, adverse health effects will not be caused upon normal consumption.

According to the Harmful Substances in Food Regulations (Cap. 132AF), no food sold in Hong Kong is allowed to contain chloramphenicol. Offenders will be prosecuted and will be liable to a fine of $50,000 and to imprisonment for six months upon conviction.

The CFS has informed the vendor concerned of the irregularity and will continue to follow up on the case, including tracing the source and distribution of the affected product and taking samples for testing to safeguard food safety and public health.

Ends/Thursday, November 12, 2015