Metallic contaminant exceeds legal limit in two taro samples

Food name: Taro
Metallic contaminant: Lead
Detected level:

(1) 0.16 parts per million

(22) 0.26 parts per million

Maximum level of metal: 0.1 parts per million
Sampling location:

(1)A retail outlet in Kowloon Bay

(2)A retail outlet in Tseung Kwan O

Remarks:

1)    The Centre for Food Safety has instructed the vendors to stop selling the affected products.

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)    Based on the level of Lead detected in the samples, risk assessment showed that adverse health effects are unlikely under usual consumption.

4)    The Centre for Food Safety will continue to follow up on the unsatisfactory result, including tracing the source of the affected products and taking samples for testing.  

5 )   Investigation is ongoing.

END/ Wednesday, March 6, 2024