The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, through its Food Incident Surveillance System, identified a notice issued by the Department of Food Safety of the Macao Municipal Affairs Bureau, that a batch of prepacked dried bamboo fungus imported via Hong Kong was found to contain metallic contaminant Cadmium at a level of 0.235 mg/kg (after applying the conversion factor of dried food) and preservative Sulphur dioxide at a level of 10,700 mg/kg , not complying with the standard of Macao. The CFS therefore immediately contacted the local importer concerned for follow-up. According to the information provided by the importer, the affected batch of product was available for sale in Hong Kong.

飛龍牌

Cadmium: 0.235 mg/kg (after applying the conversion factor of dried food).
Sulphur dioxide: 10,700 mg/kg

Cadmium: 0.1 mg/kg
Sulphur dioxide: 500 mg/kg

1. The Centre for Food Safety has instructed the importer to stop selling the incriminated batch of the affected product.
2. According to the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations (Cap 132V), any person who sells food with metallic contamination above the legal limit may be prosecuted and is liable upon conviction to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
3. According to the Preservatives in Food Regulation (Cap 132BD), any person who sells food with preservative above the legal limit may be prosecuted and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction.
4. Based on the level of Cadmium and Sulphur dioxide detected in the sample, adverse health effects would not be caused under usual consumption.
5. The Centre for Food Safety will inform the trade, continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. Investigation is ongoing.