CFS urges public not to consume imported prepackaged cumin powder with possible presence of ethylene oxide
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (July 3) urged the public not to consume a batch of prepackaged cumin powder originated from Georgia, as the product may contain a pesticide, ethylene oxide. The trade should stop using or selling the affected batch of the product immediately if they possess it.
Product details are as follows:
Product name: KȔMMEL GEMAHLEN
Brand: MIMINO
Place of origin: Georgia
Net weight: 50 grams
Best-before date: December 1, 2025
Importer: Greek Delicatessen Limited
A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS received a notification from the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) of the European Commission that the above-mentioned product is being recalled as it was detected with ethylene oxide. Upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately contacted local importers for follow-up. Preliminary investigation found that the above-mentioned importer had imported into Hong Kong the affected batch of the product."
The importer concerned has stopped sales and removed from shelves the affected product, and has initiated a recall according to the CFS's instructions. Members of the public may call its hotline at 3101 0783 during office hours for enquiries about the recall of the product concerned.
The spokesman continued, "The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified ethylene oxide as a Group 1 carcinogen. According to the Pesticide Residues in Food Regulation (Cap. 132CM), a food for human consumption containing pesticide residue may only be sold if consumption of the food is not dangerous or prejudicial to health. An offender is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and to imprisonment for six months upon conviction."
The CFS will alert the trade, continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. An investigation is ongoing.
Launch ceremony for Hong Kong Customs and VTC co-operation plan and prize presentation for puppy-naming competition
Hong Kong Customs and the Vocational Training Council (VTC) today (May 16) held a launch ceremony for the Hong Kong Customs and VTC co-operation plan and prize presentation for a puppy-naming competition at the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Kwai Chung). With the theme "Caring for animals, zero tolerance for pet smuggling", the event aimed to promote animal welfare and anti-pet smuggling through public engagement and educational initiatives.
Apart fromcombating various smuggling activities at the forefront, including animal smuggling, Hong Kong Customs also attaches great importance to professional training and public education. The department therefore has partnered with the VTC to launch a one-year co-operation plan in areas of professional exchange and community promotion, with the core philosophy of "entering the campus, reaching the community". The collaboration covers areas including basic canine handling training, pet medical care, and grooming training with the Health and Life Sciences Discipline of the VTC. Customs detector dogs will also work alongside VTC VCare Ambassadors to visit the community to promote anti-smuggling and animal protection messages.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, said that while Customs is committed to combating animal smuggling with determination, the department also places strong emphasis on public education. He hoped that the event would help raise public awareness of animal protection and preventing pet smuggling. He also appeals to the public to report any suspected pet smuggling activities to Hong Kong Customs. The Chairman of the VTC, Mr Jeffrey Lam, welcomed the co-operation plan, noting that it embodies the VTC's dedication to connecting vocational and professional education and training with the community. He looked forward to further collaboration between both parties in the future to benefit students and the community.
Another highlight of the event was the prize presentation ceremony for the puppy-naming competition. Following the birth of the Customs detector dog puppies, "EXCELSIOR", in November last year, Hong Kong Customs organised the naming competition to promote the messages of animal protection and welfare. The naming was based on the letters of "EXCELSIOR", representing the hope that these nine new puppies will pursue excellence in training and law enforcement. The competition received an enthusiastic response with a total of 130 entries from the public.
Launch ceremony for Hong Kong Customs and VTC co-operation plan and prize presentation for puppy-naming competition Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Launch ceremony for Hong Kong Customs and VTC co-operation plan and prize presentation for puppy-naming competition Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Launch ceremony for Hong Kong Customs and VTC co-operation plan and prize presentation for puppy-naming competition Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Launch ceremony for Hong Kong Customs and VTC co-operation plan and prize presentation for puppy-naming competition Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Launch ceremony for Hong Kong Customs and VTC co-operation plan and prize presentation for puppy-naming competition Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Launch ceremony for Hong Kong Customs and VTC co-operation plan and prize presentation for puppy-naming competition Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Launch ceremony for Hong Kong Customs and VTC co-operation plan and prize presentation for puppy-naming competition Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
