CFS urges public not to consume a batch of chilled beef from Italy with possible presence of drug residue

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (November 16) urged the public not to consume a batch of chilled beef imported from Italy because the product was found to contain a drug residue, dexamethasone. The trade should stop using or selling the product concerned immediately if they possess it.

Details of the product are as follows:

Product name: Fassona Beef Carpaccio 750g
Place of origin: Italy
Importer: Longino & Cardenal Ltd 
Batch:  22423
Production date: October 20, 2020
Use-by date: November 19, 2020

A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS received a notification from the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) of the European Commission that the above-mentioned product was found with a drug residue dexamethasone and is being recalled. According to the information provided by the RASFF, the affected product has been imported into Hong Kong. Upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately contacted the importer concerned for follow-up.”

Preliminary investigation found that importer Longino & Cardenal Ltd had imported some of the affected product into Hong Kong. The importer has initiated a recall according to the CFS' instructions. Enquiries about the recall can be made to the hotline at 2786 1238 during office hours.

"Dexamethasone is a kind of veterinary drug. Animal studies showed that long-term excessive dietary exposure may cause reproductive problem. Based on the level of dexamethasone detected in the samples, it is unlikely to have adverse health effects under usual consumption." the spokesman said.

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

The CFS will alert the trade to the incident, continue to follow up and take appropriate action. Investigation is ongoing. 

Ends/Monday, November 16, 2020