Shocking discovery: sulphur dioxide in beef and pork samples
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (May 7) that a fresh beef sample and two fresh pork samples were found to contain sulphur dioxide, a preservative which is not permitted to be used in fresh meat. The CFS is following up on the cases.
A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS took the fresh beef sample from a fresh provision shop (FPS) at Tin Shui Market in Tin Shui Wai, and the fresh pork samples from a FPS at Homantin Market in Kowloon City and a supermarket in Yau Tong respectively for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test results showed that the fresh beef sample contained sulphur dioxide at a level of 812 parts per million (ppm), and the two fresh pork samples contained sulphur dioxide at levels of 10 ppm and 11 ppm respectively. The CFS is following up with the FPSs and the supermarket concerned about the irregularities."
According to the Preservatives in Food Regulation (Cap. 132BD), it is an offence to add sulphur dioxide to fresh or chilled meat. The maximum penalty is a $50,000 fine and six months' imprisonment.
Sulphur dioxide is a preservative which can be used in a variety of foods including dried vegetables, dried fruits, pickled vegetables and salted fish products, but under the Regulation it is not permitted in fresh or chilled meat. Individual meat traders have been found illegally using sulphur dioxide to make meat look fresher. Sulphur dioxide is water soluble, and most of it can be removed through washing and cooking. However, susceptible individuals who are allergic to this preservative may experience breathing difficulties, headaches and nausea after consumption.
The spokesman reminded the food trade to comply with the law and not to sell fresh or chilled meat adulterated with sulphur dioxide. Members of the public should purchase meat from reliable market stalls or fresh provision shops. They should avoid buying or consuming meat which is unnaturally red and maintain a balanced diet to avoid malnutrition or excessive exposure to chemicals from a small range of food items.
The CFS will continue to follow up on the cases and take appropriate action. Investigations are ongoing.
Source: AI-generated images
Dubai eto's business luncheon in riyadh: building stronger legal, investment, and trade partnerships
âThe Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai (Dubai ETO) hosted a business luncheon in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on May 19 (Riyadh time). The event focused on the legal and related business sectors and aimed to deepen legal, investment and trade ties between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia.
About 100 guests joined the event where the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, attended during his official visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Mr Lam also led a delegation of about 30 members, including representatives from the Law Society of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Bar Association, the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, and Invest Hong Kong, as well as other professionals from the related business sectors.
The luncheon, themed "Hong Kong – The Common Law Gateway for Saudi Arabia Business to China and Beyond", provided a platform to showcase how the common law system in Hong Kong can facilitate businesses in Saudi Arabia to enter the markets of Hong Kong, Mainland China, Asia-Pacific and others. Hong Kong has a well-developed common law system under the principle of "one country, two systems", which is known for its transparency, robustness and reliability, giving it a unique advantage in the business environment.
Speaking at the business luncheon, Mr Lam remarked that as the only common law jurisdiction within China, Hong Kong's well-established legal system and top-notch legal and dispute resolution services give the city a unique edge which attracts business opportunities from across the globe. Hong Kong is also an ideal gateway for Middle East businesses and the legal profession to expand their markets to the Mainland China.
The Director-General of Investment Promotion,Ms Alpha Lau,also gave an update on the latest investment and business environment in Hong Kong and encouraged Saudi investors, entrepreneurs and startups to expand their businesses and markets in Hong Kong and beyond.
The participants at the luncheon took the opportunity to engage in meaningful exchanges, and explore potential partnerships and collaborations.
The event was co-organised by the Department of Justice, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, and Saudi Chinese Business Council, and supported by Invest Hong Kong.
Source: AI-generated images
