CFS urges public not to consume several kinds of cheese from France with possible Shiga toxin-producing E. coli contamination

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (December 20) urged the public not to consume three kinds of cheese imported from France due to possible contamination with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). The trade should stop using or selling the affected batches of products immediately if they possess them.

Details of the products are as follows:

Product name:  (1) FRERES MARCHAND - CANTAL ENTRE DEUX AOP
                             (2) TRADITIONAL SELECTION 1KG - 4 CHEESES 
                             (3) TRADITIONAL SELECTION 2KG - 6 CHEESES
Brand: Les Frères Marchand
Place of origin: France
Importer: Classic Fine Foods (Hong Kong) Limited
Lot: LOT 21-45

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 products might have been contaminated with STEC and are being recalled. According to the information provided by the RASFF, the affected batches of products have been imported into Hong Kong. Upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately contacted the local importer concerned for follow-up."

A preliminary investigation found that the importer, Classic Fine Foods (Hong Kong) Limited, had imported some of the affected batches of products into Hong Kong. The importer concerned has initiated a recall according to the CFS' instructions. Enquiries about the recall can be made to the hotlines at 2612 2066 during office hours.

"People will contract STEC-causing gastro-intestinal disease through consumption of contaminated water or undercooked and contaminated foods. Intestinal bleeding and serious complications such as hemolytic uraemic syndrome may also develop in some people," the spokesman said.

The spokesman urged consumers not to consume the affected batches of the products if they have bought any. The trade should also stop using or selling the affected batches of products concerned immediately if they possess them.
        
The CFS will alert the trade to the incident, continue to follow up and take appropriate action. An investigation is ongoing.

Ends/Monday, December 20, 2021