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.
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 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.
Source: AI-found images
Special traffic and transport arrangements for Chinese New Year's Eve
The Transport Department (TD) today (February 12) reminded members of the public that the following special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented in various districts on Chinese New Year's Eve (February 16) to facilitate the holiday celebration activities.
Special traffic arrangements
Road closures and traffic diversions will be implemented in phases from February 16 in various places, including Hong Kong Island (including the vicinities of Causeway Bay and Tin Hau near Victoria Park), Kowloon (including the vicinities of Wong Tai Sin Temple and Kwun Tong Recreation Ground) and the New Territories (including the vicinities of Sha Tsui Road Playground in Tsuen Wan, Shek Wu Hui in Sheung Shui, Tin Hau Temple Plaza in Tuen Mun, Tin Hau Temple Fung Shui Square in Tai Po and Yuen Wo Playground in Sha Tin). Some parking spaces, taxi stands and public light bus stops located in the above areas will be suspended.
Public transport service arrangements
1. In connection with road closures, the bus and green minibus (GMB) routes operating in the affected areas will be temporarily diverted or suspended, and the associated bus and GMB stops located within the affected areas will be suspended or relocated;
2. The following MTR service enhancements will be implemented:
The train frequencies of MTR lines (except the Airport Express and Disneyland Resort Line) will be enhanced in phases from 3pm on February 16, and the services in other periods will be strengthened subject to passenger demand;
Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Kwun Tong Line, Tseung Kwan O Line (sections from North Point to Po Lam and from Tiu Keng Leng to LOHAS Park), South Island Line, Tung Chung Line, East Rail Line (section from Admiralty to Sheung Shui), Tuen Ma Line, and Light Rail route Nos. 505, 507, 610, 614P, 615P, 706 and 751 will provide overnight services; and
The operating hours of the Airport Express and MTR Bus route Nos. 506, K51 and K54A will be extended.
3. Eight special bus services (Citybus route No. 38S, KMB route Nos. N43, N64P, N243, N272 and Cross Harbour route Nos. N116, N600 and N601) will be operated in the small hours on the first day of the Chinese New Year (February 17);
4. Franchised bus companies will adjust the frequency/departure time or cancel some special trips of 253 routes (including 39 Citybus, 128 KMB and 86 Cross Harbour routes); extend the service hours of 22 bus routes (including 21 KMB and one Cross Harbour route) and strengthen the services of eight (including seven KMB and one Cross Harbour route) bus routes;
5. The operating hours of nine GMB routes on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon and the New Territories will be extended; and
6. The frequency of tram services will be strengthened subject to passenger demand.
Central to Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System services
The service of the Central to Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System on February 16 will be extended to 3am on the following day.
Members of the public are advised to make use of public transport services as far as possible to avoid traffic congestion and unnecessary delays. The TD and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation and implement appropriate measures when necessary. The Police may adjust the traffic arrangements subject to the prevailing crowd and traffic conditions in the areas. The public should pay attention to the latest traffic news through radio, television or "HKeMobility".
For details of the special traffic and public transport arrangements, members of the public may visit the TD website (www.td.gov.hk) or mobile application "HKeMobility". Passengers may also refer to the passenger notices displayed by the relevant public transport operators.
Source: AI-found images
