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The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) today (April 4) announced results of tests on freshwater grouper samples.
"In following up freshwater grouper samples found to contain malachite green in last November, CFS staff had recently collected samples from some fish stalls concerned for testing. Results available today showed that three freshwater grouper samples contained trace amounts of malachite green, at levels of 0.014ppm, 0.15ppm and 0.25ppm respectively," a CFS spokesman said.
"As the levels of malachite green detected in the fish samples were low, normal consumption should not pose any adverse health effects."
Under the Harmful Substances in Food Regulations, no person shall sell, for human consumption, any food (including live fish) which contains malachite green. Offenders, if convicted, are liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment.
"The samples were taken from three fish stalls at Tai Po Hui Market. The relevant stalls would stop selling the fish in question. We are also tracing the source."
The spokesman reminded traders not to import freshwater fish through improper channels.
The CFS and other law enforcement departments would continue to mount operations to deter freshwater fish not accompanied with health certificates from entering Hong Kong.
In another development, the CFS appealed to retailers to stop selling certain chocolate bars manufactured by Nestle Australia Ltd as they might contain pieces of plastic. Consumers are also advised not to eat them.
According to the Australian authorities, the affected products are "Kit Kat Caramel" (65g) and "Kit Kat Cookie Dough" (65g) carrying best before dates up to and including February 14, 2008.
"We have alerted the trade on the incident and contacted the local distributor, and are closely monitoring the situation," the spokesman said.
Ends/Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Issued at HKT 20:56
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