The Centre for Food Safety (CFS)

Durian flavoured ice cream

Product Name: Durian Gelato
Brand: Alchemia
Place of Origin: Hong Kong
Net Volume: 70 ml
Best-before Date: April 13, 2026
Manufacturer: Pay & Pay Ice Cream International Company Limited
Distributor: Kai's Gourmet Limited

• The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample for testing from a food stall at an expo on Lantau under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained 110 coliform bacteria per gram, exceeding the legal limit.
• Under the Frozen Confections Regulation (Cap 132 AC), 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. The fact that the coliform count exceeded the legal limit indicated that the hygienic conditions were unsatisfactory, but did not mean that consumption would lead to food poisoning.

• The CFS has informed the distributor concerned of the irregularity and instructed it to stop selling the affected ice-cream immediately.
• The CFS has also immediately sent staff to the frozen confection factory concerned to conduct an investigation and took samples for testing. Health education on food safety and hygiene was provided to the person-in-charge and staff. They have also been requested to carry out thorough cleaning and disinfection of the premises. Should there be sufficient evidence, prosecution will be initiated.
• For the sake of prudence, the CFS has instructed the above-mentioned distributor to stop sale and remove from shelves the affected products, and to initiate a recall.
• The CFS has alerted the trade to the incident, and will continue to follow up and take appropriate action. The investigation is ongoing.

• The trade should also stop using or selling the affected batch of the product immediately if they possess it.

• Members of the public to stop consuming the affected product and seek medical treatment if they feel unwell after consuming the product concerned.

The CFS press release

Enquiries about the recall can be made to the distributor (hotline: 3483 0098).