Centre for Food Safety (CFS)

Prepackaged frozen sardines

Product name: FZ Atlantic Northeast Wild Caught Sardine Fillet
Brand: FZ
Place of origin: France
Net Weight: 200 grams per pack
Best-before date: March 28, 2027
Retailer: Foodie Yard by HKTVmall

• The CFS collected the abovementioned frozen sardine sample from an online vendor for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained histamine at a level of 1,100 milligrams per kilogram.
• Histamine is commonly found in certain kinds of fish such as tuna, sardine, mackerel and anchovy, as a result of bacterial spoilage. Consumption of fish containing high levels of histamine can cause foodborne intoxication. Symptoms of histamine poisoning include tingling and burning sensations around the mouth, facial flushing and sweating, nausea, vomiting, headache, palpitations, dizziness and rash. The onset of intoxication symptoms is within a few hours after consumption, and these symptoms will normally disappear within 12 hours without long-term effects.

• The CFS has informed the vendor concerned of the irregularities. The vendor has removed from shelves and stopped sale of the affected product, and initiated a recall according to the CFS' instructions.
• The CFS will alert the trade to the incident and will continue to monitor the case and take appropriate follow-up action. The investigation is ongoing.

• Stop using or selling the affected product immediately if in possession.

• Not to consume the affected product.

The CFS press release

Members of the public may call the vendor's hotline at 6892 2227 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.