CFS urges public not to consume two batches of prepackaged fish roe suspected to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

A spokesman for the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (August 5) noted that two batches of prepackaged fish roe were reported to have been contaminated by Listeria monocytogenes. The CFS is proactively following up on the incident and, for the sake of prudence, urges the public not to consume the affected batches of the products. The trade should also stop using or selling the affected products if they have them in their possession.

Details of the product are as follows:

Product name: Fish roe
Brand: QSeafoods
Importer: Quality Products (HK) Ltd
Net weight: 1000 grams / 35.27 ounces
Manufacturing dates: April 12 and February 25, 2016
Best before dates: April 11 and February 24, 2018

The spokesman said, "Upon receipt of a notification from the Food Safety Centre, Macau, that the two batches of prepackaged fish roe imported from Hong Kong were contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the CFS immediately contacted the local importer concerned, Quality Products (HK) Ltd. According to information provided by the importer, the affected products were all supplied to distributors in Hong Kong and Macau, with no stock left.

The importer concerned is now recalling the products of the two affected batches and to stop the sale of products of same kind but of different batches. The CFS is also tracing the distribution of the products concerned. The CFS has also taken samples of products of the same kind but of different batches from the manufacturer for testing. The CFS will alert the trade of the incident and request them to stop using or selling the affected products.

Furthermore, the CFS also urges the public not to consume products of the affected batches. Medical advice should be sought if they feel sick upon consumption. For enquiries about the recall of the above-mentioned products, consumers may call the manufacturer (Tel: 2149 5266) during office hours.

"Listeria monocytogenes can be easily destroyed by cooking but can survive and multiply at refrigerator temperatures. Most healthy individuals do not develop symptoms or only have mild symptoms like fever, muscle pain, headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea when infected. However, severe complications such as septicemia, meningitis or even death may occur in newborns, the elderly and those with a weaker immune system. Although infected pregnant women may just experience mild symptoms generally, the infection of Listeria monocytogenes may cause miscarriage, infant death, preterm birth or severe infection in newborns," the spokesman said.

The CFS will continue to closely monitor the situation and take appropriate follow-up action to safeguard food safety and public health. Investigation is still ongoing.

Ends/Friday, August 5, 2016