Preservative exceeds legal limit in beef skewer sample
| Food name: |
Beef skewer |
| Preservative: |
Benzoic acid |
| Detected level: |
116 milligram per kilogram |
| Maximum permitted level: |
- Fresh meat: Not permitted
- Seasonings and condiments: 1000 milligram per kilogram
- Soybean sauce: 550 milligram per kilogram
|
| Sampling location: |
A restaurant in Mong Kok |
| Remarks: |
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The Centre for Food Safety has instructed the vendor to stop selling the affected product.
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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.
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Based on the level of Benzoic acid detected in the sample, risk assessment showed that adverse health effects are unlikely under usual consumption.
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The Centre for Food Safety will continue to follow up on the unsatisfactory result, including tracing the source of the affected product and taking sample for testing.
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Investigation is ongoing.
|
END/ Friday, May 22, 2026