Metallic contaminant exceeds legal limit in mushroom sample

Food name:

Mushroom

Metallic contaminant:

Cadmium

Detected level:

0.17 parts per million

Maximum level of metal:

0.1 parts per million

Sampling location:

A restaurant in Wong Tai Sin

Remarks:

  1. The Centre for Food Safety has instructed the vendors to stop selling 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. Based on the level of Cadmium detected in the sample, 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 product. Prosecution will be instituted should there be sufficient evidence.
  5. Investigation is ongoing.

END/ Monday, May 19, 2025