Centre for Food Safety discovers banned Fukushima vegetables in imported food shipment from Japan
www.dimsumdaily.hk
Picture for illustration purpose only.
13th September 2023 – (Hong Kong) The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has made a significant discovery during their inspection of a consignment of food imported from Japan. Vegetables from regulated prefectures were found, leading to suspicions of a breach of the relevant Food Safety Order. The CFS has promptly marked and sealed the products, ensuring they do not enter the market, and is actively pursuing the case.
Upon examining the food labels, the CFS identified a package of Japanese maple from Fukushima and a package of eggplant from Gunma that lacked the necessary radiation certificate and exporter certificate. This failure to comply with the requirements outlined in the Order constitutes a violation.
Under the provisions of the Order, the importation of vegetables, fruits, milk, milk beverages, and dried milk from Fukushima into Hong Kong is strictly prohibited. However, foods originating from Chiba, Tochigi, Ibaraki, and Gunma prefectures are allowed for importation, provided they are accompanied by a radiation certificate and an exporter certificate issued by the Japanese authority. These certificates must certify that the radiation levels are within guideline limits and the products are safe for human consumption.
The CFS remains committed to diligently pursuing this incident and taking appropriate action. They will inform the relevant Japanese authorities about the occurrence and, if sufficient evidence is obtained, prosecution will be initiated against the responsible importer. The investigation is currently underway, with the aim of uncovering all necessary details.
Ensuring food safety and adherence to regulatory measures is of paramount importance to safeguard public health. The CFS will continue to monitor and enforce strict compliance with the established standards, working towards maintaining the highest level of food safety in Hong Kong.
www.dimsumdaily.hk
13th September 2023 – (Hong Kong) The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has made a significant discovery during their inspection of a consignment of food imported from Japan. Vegetables from regulated prefectures were found, leading to suspicions of a breach of the relevant Food Safety Order. The CFS has promptly marked and sealed the products, ensuring they do not enter the market, and is actively pursuing the case.
Upon examining the food labels, the CFS identified a package of Japanese maple from Fukushima and a package of eggplant from Gunma that lacked the necessary radiation certificate and exporter certificate. This failure to comply with the requirements outlined in the Order constitutes a violation.
Under the provisions of the Order, the importation of vegetables, fruits, milk, milk beverages, and dried milk from Fukushima into Hong Kong is strictly prohibited. However, foods originating from Chiba, Tochigi, Ibaraki, and Gunma prefectures are allowed for importation, provided they are accompanied by a radiation certificate and an exporter certificate issued by the Japanese authority. These certificates must certify that the radiation levels are within guideline limits and the products are safe for human consumption.
The CFS remains committed to diligently pursuing this incident and taking appropriate action. They will inform the relevant Japanese authorities about the occurrence and, if sufficient evidence is obtained, prosecution will be initiated against the responsible importer. The investigation is currently underway, with the aim of uncovering all necessary details.
Ensuring food safety and adherence to regulatory measures is of paramount importance to safeguard public health. The CFS will continue to monitor and enforce strict compliance with the established standards, working towards maintaining the highest level of food safety in Hong Kong.
