Food Safety Focus (239th Issue, June 2026) – Article 3

Soft Ice-cream Hygiene: Reminder to the Trade and Consumers

Following the detection of soft ice-cream samples with coliform counts exceeding the legal limits in May 2026, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) instructed the vendors concerned to stop sales, dispose of the affected products, and thoroughly clean and disinfect the ice-cream dispenser machines on a daily basis. The CFS has also provided food safety and hygiene education to shop owners and staff.

Although coliforms are hygiene indicator organism that may not have pathogenic potential, the CFS has enhanced its inspections of frozen dessert manufacturing plants across Hong Kong and provided them with relevant food hygiene education. The CFS has issued a letter to the trade reminding the sector to maintain good hygiene practices and comply with relevant food safety guidelines, including guidelines on Frozen Confections Prepared at Points of Sale for Immediate Consumption. To further strengthen compliance with hygiene requirements, the CFS will organise a talk on the manufacture of frozen desserts for the trade.

Susceptible populations, especially pregnant women, are advised to avoid soft ice-cream due to the risk of Listeria bacteria contamination. Listeria infection can lead to miscarriage or serious illnesses in newborn babies.