CFS urges public not to consume batch of prepackaged rice with excessive cadmium found
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (February 12) urged the public not to consume a batch of prepackaged rice, which was detected with cadmium, a metallic contaminant, at a level exceeding the legal limit. The trade should stop using or selling the affected batch of the product immediately if they possess it.
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS), Photo source: reference image
Details of the product are as follows:
Produce name: Rice
Brand: Acquerello
Place of origin: Italy
Net weight: 500 grams
Best-before date: February 17, 2032
Importer: Bright View Trading HK Limited
The Acquerello Rice
"The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample at the import level for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained cadmium at a level of 0.24 parts per million (ppm), exceeding the legal limit of 0.2 ppm," a spokesman for the CFS said.
"Long-term excessive intake of cadmium may affect the kidney functions. The CFS has informed the importer concerned of the irregularity and instructed it to stop sales, remove from shelves the affected batch of the product and to initiate a recall. Members of the public may call the hotline at 3860 1900 during office hours for enquiries about the recall," the spokesman added.
According to the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations (Cap. 132V), any person who sells food with metallic contamination above the legal limit is liable upon conviction to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
The CFS will alert the Italian authorities and the trade, and will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. An investigation is ongoing.
Brussels ETO holds receptions in Spain and Ireland to celebrate Chinese New Year with local communities
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO) organised Chinese New Year receptions in Barcelona, Spain, on March 4 (Barcelona time), and Dublin, Ireland, on March 5 (Dublin time), bringing together over 220 guests from local business, public and community sectors in the two countries.
Jointly organised by Brussels ETO, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), with the support of the Spain Hong Kong Business Association, the reception in Barcelona was held to coincide with the Mobile World Congress (MWC), and was well attended by guests including the Hong Kong innovation and technology (I&T) delegation attending the MWC, as well as local start-ups, enterprises and related institutions.
In her welcoming remarks, the Special Representative for the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung, highlighted that I&T had become a new growth engine for Hong Kong. "We are building a more complete innovation value chain, one that integrates basic research, commercialisation and advanced manufacturing," she said.
Ms Yung also mentioned that Hong Kong achieved a new milestone of having over 5 200 start-ups last year, representing an 11 per cent year-on-year increase. She encouraged European companies, talent and students to come to Hong Kong to leverage the opportunities arising from the rapid development of the I&T sector and related infrastructure in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Northern Metropolis.
Hong Kong's wine and liquor trade as well as related business opportunities were the special focus of the reception in Dublin. Together with the HKTDC and InvestHK, with the support of the Dublin Chamber, Brussels ETO held a business seminar before the reception with the local liquor trade to promote the business opportunities that Hong Kong offers as a leading hub for wine and liquor trading and auctions, following Hong Kong's reduction of duty on liquor with an alcoholic strength of more than 30 per cent in 2024.
Ms Yung also highlighted Hong Kong's premier role as a gateway to the Chinese Mainland and Asia, with the city strategically located at the heart of the region with world-class transport connectivity. She encouraged Irish wine and liquor traders to leverage Hong Kong as a regional hub for trading, distribution, and auctions to expand their market share on the Chinese Mainland and across the wider Asia-Pacific region.
Brussels ETO holds receptions in Spain and Ireland to celebrate Chinese New Year with local communities Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Brussels ETO holds receptions in Spain and Ireland to celebrate Chinese New Year with local communities Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Brussels ETO holds receptions in Spain and Ireland to celebrate Chinese New Year with local communities Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Brussels ETO holds receptions in Spain and Ireland to celebrate Chinese New Year with local communities Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Brussels ETO holds receptions in Spain and Ireland to celebrate Chinese New Year with local communities Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Brussels ETO holds receptions in Spain and Ireland to celebrate Chinese New Year with local communities Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
