CFS urges public not to consume batch of powdered infant formula
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department continues to actively follow up on the precautionary recall of certain batches of powdered infant and young children formula in different areas worldwide due to possible presence of Cereulide produced by Bacillus cereus in the individual raw material. The CFS today (February 3) said it earlier noted through its Food Incident Surveillance System that certain batches of Aptamil powdered infant and young children formula are being recalled by the German authority as the products might contain Cereulide produced by Bacillus cereus. The CFS has been very concerned about the incident, and has followed up immediately, including contacting the local importers, retailers and relevant authorities, as well as inspecting retail outlets in the market. The CFS has earlier published a food incident post online to inform the public and the trade of the incident. According to the latest investigation result today, a local retailer had sold a small quantity of one affected batch of the powdered infant formula concerned. For the sake of prudence, the retailer concerned has stopped sales, removed from shelves the affected product and has initiated a precautionary recall according to the CFS's instructions.
Product details are as follows:
Product name: Aptamil Profutura DUO Pre D 800g
Brand: Aptamil
Pack size: 800 grams
Place of origin: Germany
Quantity imported: 54 cans
Use-by date: April 20, 2027
Retailer: Baby HK
Aptamil Profutura DUO Pre D 800g
A preliminary investigation by the CFS revealed that relevant importer had imported nine boxes of 54 cans of the product concerned, among which 34 cans had been distributed. The CFS has instructed the retailer concerned to stop sales and remove from shelves the affected batch of the product concerned and to initiate a recall. Moreover, the CFS has marked and sealed 20 cans of remaining stock of the product. Members of the public may call the retailer's hotline at 3586 1399 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.
The CFS will continue to enhance surveillance of powdered infant and young children formula and to closely monitor the recall matters and remain fully committed to ensuring food safety. The CFS has alerted the trade and relevant department over the incident, and will continue to follow up and take appropriate action. Follow-up investigation is ongoing.
Bacillus cereus is commonly found in the environment. Unhygienic conditions in food processing and storage may give rise to its growth. Cereulide is a heat-stable toxin produced in food by some strains of Bacillus cereus. Consuming food contaminated with excessive Bacillus cereus or its heat-stable toxins may cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhoea.
The CFS urged members of the public not to let infants and young children consume the affected batch of the product, and to seek medical treatment for infants or young children who felt unwell after taking the product concerned. The trade should also stop using or selling the affected batch of the product immediately.
The CFS has established a designated webpage (www.cfs.gov.hk/english/whatsnew/powdered_formula/index.html) to facilitate public access to more information.
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS), Photo source: reference image
CEDD achieves four top accolades of gold medals with congratulations of jury at International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva
The Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) achieved outstanding results at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, winning a total of 10 awards, including four top accolades of gold medals with the congratulations of jury, two gold medals, three silver medals and a bronze medal.
The Director of Civil Engineering and Development, Mr Michael Fong, today (March 15) was encouraged by the department's remarkable achievements at the Exhibition this year. He said, "The department has been actively engaging in research and development and applying innovative technologies to enhance work efficiency and quality, as well as improving site safety. This achievement affirms the professionalism and innovative spirit of our colleagues."
In the field of disaster prevention, the in-house team of the CEDD developed the fifth-generation AI Landslip Warning System, applying artificial intelligence and big data technology to analyse the rainfall and landslide data in Hong Kong. This significantly improves the accuracy of risk assessment and issuance of warning signals. In addition, the department also developed a number of intelligent safety management systems, including the occupational health and safety management and monitoring system for confined spaces that can achieve instant alerts and closed-loop management; the CANOPUS - Smart Safety Harness monitoring system focusing on safety for working-at-height which can ensure that safety harnesses are securely attached; and the pioneering multi-channel certification mechanism that can enable real-time tracking and predictive alerts of personnel and equipment. The above inventions all received the gold medals with the congratulations of jury at this Exhibition.
The awarded projects by the CEDD are:
Gold medals with the congratulations of jury
• AI Landslip Warning System
• Intelligent occupational health and safety management and monitoring system for confined spaces
• CANOPUS - Smart Safety Harness
• Personnel real-name system and equipment tracking intelligent software
Gold medals
• SmartAERO - Smart Drone Management Platform (jointly developed with the Development Bureau)
• IntelliGuard OS
Silver medals
• CEDD AI Assistant
• Heavy machinery and hazardous area monitoring system
• TAMAGO - Smart Falsework Monitoring System
Bronze medal
• Electronic lock and work permit system for hazardous areas
The International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva is an annual grand event in the global invention community. This year, the Exhibition was held from March 11 to 15 in Geneva, Switzerland, showcasing about 1 000 inventions from 35 countries and regions, which were evaluated by the international jury of specialists.
CEDD achieves four top accolades of gold medals with congratulations of jury at International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CEDD achieves four top accolades of gold medals with congratulations of jury at International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CEDD achieves four top accolades of gold medals with congratulations of jury at International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CEDD achieves four top accolades of gold medals with congratulations of jury at International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CEDD achieves four top accolades of gold medals with congratulations of jury at International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
