CFS finds trace amount of Enterococci in samples of individual batches of bottled mineral water
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (May 28) that two samples of bottled mineral water were found to contain trace amount of Enterococci. The CFS is following up on the incident.
A spokesman for the CFS said, "Under its routine Food Surveillance Programme, the CFS collected bottled mineral water samples at retail level for microbiological testing, including tests for Escherichia coli, Coliform bacteria, Enterococci, Spore-forming sulphite-reducing anaerobes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The test results showed that two samples of the individual batches of bottled mineral water below contained Enterococci at a level of one Colony Forming Unit in 250 millilitres, while all other tested parameters (Escherichia coli, coliform bacteria, Spore-forming sulphite-reducing anaerobes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were satisfactory (i.e. not detected).
According to the Microbiological Guidelines for Food, Enterococci shall not be tested presence in bottled natural mineral water. As a precautionary measure, the CFS has informed the retailers/distributors concerned to stop sales and remove from shelves the affected batches of the products below. The distributors concerned have also initiated voluntary recalls of the affected batches of the products concerned. Members of the public may call the respective hotlines below during office hours for enquiries about the recalls.
Product details are as follows:
Product name: Still Scottish Mountain Water
Brand: Marks & Spencer
Volume: 750ml
Best-before date: December 2026
Distributor: ALF Retail Hong Kong Limited
Hotline: 3656 2253
Product name: LOTTE ICIS Natural Mineral Water 8.0
Brand: Lotte
Volume: 2 litres
Best-before date: September 22, 2027
Distributor: Goldtop Century Ltd
Hotline: 2632 7373
Since January 2026, the CFS has collected 50 samples of bottled drinking water for testing. Apart from the two unsatisfactory samples mentioned above, all other samples passed the tests.
"Enterococci are a group of bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals, generally posing a low risk to healthy individuals. However, certain strains may cause infections in immunocompromised individuals. Members of the public should stop consuming the affected batches of the natural mineral water. Anyone who feels unwell after consuming the products, such as experiencing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or fever etc, should seek medical treatment," a spokesman for the CFS said.
The CFS had alert the trade, and will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. An investigation is ongoing.
Source: AI-found images
LegCo Subcommittee to Study Matters Relating to "Ecology + Tourism" conducts a visit along the coastline near Sai Kung East Country Park
The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The Legislative Council Subcommittee to Study Matters Relating to "Ecology + Tourism" visited the coastline near Sai Kung East Country Park by boat today (May 28) to gain a deeper understanding of current government measures relating to the development of ecotourism, and to explore how to better leverage natural resources to further promote ecotourism.
Accompanied by the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, and the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai, Members set sail from Sai Kung Pier and inspected the coastline near Sai Kung East Country Park. The boat passed Sharp Island, Yim Tin Tsai and High Island, which are part of Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark (Hong Kong Geopark).
Members then continued the sail to the vicinity of the coastal areas near Fa Shan, High Island Reservoir East Dam and Po Pin Chau, where they observed offshore the High Island Formation. The formation is visible along the coast of and on numerous islands in Sai Kung. The hexagonal volcanic columnar rock formation there comprises a great number of large, well preserved and widely distributed columns. The High Island Formation was incorporated in Hong Kong Geopark in 2009 and was selected as one of the First 100 International Union of Geological Sciences Geological Heritage Sites in 2022, making it a popular ecotourism attraction with high international scientific significance.
During the visit, Members received a briefing from representatives of the Government about the management measures implemented in these ecotourism hotspots during peak holiday seasons. These included deploying additional manpower to help implement traffic and crowd management, as well as installing additional railings at the viewing platform to prevent visitors from approaching dangerous areas. Members urged the Government to leverage Hong Kong's unique natural resources and study plans to boost economic benefits, including promoting island tourism, while in pursuit of sustainable development.
Members also viewed Ham Tin Wan and the coast of Sai Kung from the vessel. As Ham Tin Wan Campsite and other campsites in the Sai Kung District are gaining popularity among visitors, Members and representatives of the Government discussed how to strengthen environmental protection while enhancing tourists' experience.
A total of 25 members and non-members of the Subcommittee participated in the visit.
LegCo Subcommittee to Study Matters Relating to "Ecology + Tourism" conducts a visit along the coastline near Sai Kung East Country Park Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LegCo Subcommittee to Study Matters Relating to "Ecology + Tourism" conducts a visit along the coastline near Sai Kung East Country Park Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LegCo Subcommittee to Study Matters Relating to "Ecology + Tourism" conducts a visit along the coastline near Sai Kung East Country Park Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
