CFS urges public not to consume a kind of prepackaged flour with possible E. coli contamination

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (May 30) urged the public not to consume a kind of prepackaged flour imported from Canada as the product might have been contaminated with Escherichia coli (E. coli). The trade should also stop using or selling the product concerned immediately if they still possess it.

A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS received a notification from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency that a manufacturer, Ardent Mills, is recalling the affected product as it may be contaminated with E. coli. According to information provided by the concerned Canadian authorities, a local importer New Delhi Store had imported the affected product into Hong Kong."

Product details are as follows:

Product name: Durum Atta Flour
Brand: Kundan
Net Weight: 9 kilograms per pack
UPC: 6 28622 41522 6
Best before date: July 13, 2017

The spokesman said that upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately followed up with the importer concerned. According to information provided by the importer, it had imported the above-mentioned product. All the product has been sold out with no remaining stock. The CFS is tracing the distribution of the affected product and has instructed the importer to initiate a recall. Members of the public may call the company's hotline at 2369 3038 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.

People will contract E. coli causing gastro-intestinal disease through consumption of contaminated water or undercooked and contaminated foods. Intestinal bleeding and serious complications such as hemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) may also develop in some people. Moreover, due to poor personal hygiene, person-to-person transmission of this pathogen is possible through oral-faecal route. E. coli cannot survive under high temperature and can be killed by thorough cooking. People should refrain from consuming any raw dough or batter products.

The spokesman urged consumers not to consume the affected product. The trade should also stop using or selling the product concerned immediately if they should possess it.

The CFS will alert the trade, continue to closely monitor the situation and take appropriate follow-up actions. Investigation is ongoing.

Ends/Tuesday, May 30, 2017