23-5-2023 (Hong Kong) Contaminated Musang King Durian Ice Cream Imported from Malaysia Discovered by Food Safety Authorities
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department in Hong Kong has revealed that samples of Musang King Durian Ice Cream imported from Malaysia have tested positive for coliform bacteria, exceeding the legal limit. The affected ice cream products, which were imported by Cougar Hong Kong Limited, have been promptly marked, sealed, and prevented from entering the market. The CFS is currently conducting further investigations into the matter.
During its routine Food Surveillance Programme, the CFS collected samples of the Musang King Durian Ice Cream and conducted tests, which revealed that two samples contained 250 coliform bacteria per gram, surpassing the legal limit of 100 coliform bacteria per gram set by the Frozen Confections Regulation (Cap. 132AC). The CFS has notified the importer about the irregularities, and the implicated products have been immediately marked and sealed.
As a result of this discovery, the CFS has temporarily suspended the permission previously granted to the importer for the import and sale of the Musang King Durian Ice Cream. Those found guilty of such offenses can face a maximum penalty of a fine amounting to HKD 10,000 and a prison term of up to three months upon conviction.
A spokesperson for the CFS clarified that while exceeding the coliform bacteria limit indicates unsatisfactory hygienic conditions, it does not necessarily mean that consuming the product would result in food poisoning.
The CFS is actively pursuing the case and will take necessary measures to ensure food safety and protect public health. They are urging the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene and to purchase food items only from reliable and reputable suppliers.
