Coliform bacteria exceeds legal limit in Frozen Confections sample

Product name:

Stecco Natura Pistachio Frozen Confection (70g)
Brand:

Stecco Natura Gelaterie
Place of origin:

Italy
Plant name and address:

Gelati Pepino 1884 S.P.A. Via Madonna del Ponte, 10 Avigliana(TO)- Italia
Importer:

Icy Matters Company Limited
Net weight:

749 kgs
Best-before date:

2021.03.20
Non-compliant test parameters:

Contains more than 100 coliform bacteria per gram

Detected content:

5 samples from the same batch contain 1,800 to 3,400 coliform bacteria per gram

Sampling location:

A cold store at Shatin

Remarks:
    1. The affected batches of the products are being kept in cold store and have not entered the market.
    2. Under the Frozen Confections Regulation (Cap 132AC), frozen confection for sale should not contain more than 100 coliform bacteria per gram. The maximum penalty for offenders is a fine of $10,000 and three months' imprisonment upon conviction. 
    3. CFS will temporarily suspended the permission to import for sale of the product concerned granted earlier to the importer.
    4. The CFS will inform the Italian authorities of the incident.
    5. The CFS has informed the importer, continue to follow up on the case and take appropriate action.

END/Friday, January 17 2020