The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (August 26) the results of a recently completed risk assessment study on Sterigmatocystin (STC) in food. The CFS collected 331 food samples at the retail level for testing of STC levels with the aim of estimating the exposure of the local adult population to STC through consumption of these food items, and to assess the associated health risks. The study results showed that the health concern for the local population due to dietary exposure to STC from the food items covered in the study is low.
      
     A spokesman for the CFS said, "STC is a mycotoxin that can be formed on food commodities which are contaminated with moulds due to improper storage. The liver and kidneys are the main targets of acute STC toxicity. Animal studies showed that STC may cause cancer to animals upon chronic exposure. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified it as a group 2B agent, which is possibly carcinogenic to humans.”
      
     The 331 food samples taken from local markets for testing of STC levels covered 12 food groups, namely flour, breakfast cereal, dried spices, grains, pasta and noodles, bakery and pastry items, coffee beans, starch substitute, peanuts and tree nuts, cheese, beer and cured meat. The study results showed that only about 10 per cent of the samples (i.e. 32 samples) were found to contain STC, from food groups of flour, breakfast cereal, dried spices, grains, pasta and noodles, bakery and pastry items and coffee beans. Among the 32 samples, 29 samples contained STC at a level of less than 1 microgram/kilogram; while STC was not detectable in all samples of the food groups of starch substitutes, peanuts and tree nuts, cheese, beer and cured meat.
      
     For dietary exposure, according to the level of STC detected in the collected food groups, the estimates of average and high consumers were 0.00017mcg/kg body weight (bw) per day and 0.00033mcg/kg bw per day, with the Margin of Exposure (MOE) values at 940 000 and 480 000 respectively. The European Food Safety Authority considered that an MOE value of 10 000 or higher is of low public health concern. The study results showed that the MOE values for the local adult population were far above 10 000, the heath concern due to their STC exposure is therefore considered low. Pasta and noodles was the major contributor to dietary exposure of STC.
      
     The spokesman advised the public to manage the storage conditions of food properly, such as putting food in cool and dry places to prevent fungal infestation in food and reduce the risk of STC contamination.
      
     The Codex Alimentarius Commission has not established any standard for STC in food. The CFS will continue to keep in view the relevant scientific research, risk assessments, regulatory controls and latest developments about STC in other countries. The study report is available on the CFS website at www.cfs.gov.hk.

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     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has announced that the lifesaving services at Cafeteria New Beach and Golden Beach in Tuen Mun District resumed today (August 26). The lifesaving services at the beaches were suspended earlier due to an insufficient number of lifeguards on duty.

     ​Fashion brand Cecilia Woo opened a retail store in Hong Kong today (August 26), drawing on the city's edgy multicultural style and global status to showcase its offerings to an international audience.
      
      The new store is located in a prime shopping centre in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, which features a variety of contemporary art retailers and quality lifestyle products that align with the brand's concept of "Be your own muse". Tsim Sha Tsui is popular with international visitors and local consumers as a shopping district.
      
      Brand Founder Ms Cecilia Woo said that since the business was set up in late 2014 in California, the United States, the brand has been leveraging its concept to serve the specific needs of modern women. Over the years, Cecilia Woo has built a solid foundation in key Mainland cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai and Chongqing, developing a significant following through physical and online channels. 
      
      Ms Woo said that the company considers now is the right time to develop the brand across global markets, adding, "Hong Kong is Asia's world city. This place is highly relevant for light luxury brands in terms of fashion trends and ways of life. The city also attracts travellers from around the globe. It is an ideal landing point for us with solid international opportunities."
     
      Hong Kong is one of the fastest-paced cities in the world, she noted. "We appreciate the spirit of women here as well as the work-hard culture, which is very much the essence of this city. Our brand is dedicated to serving modern women. We cannot think of anywhere else that is more relevant than Hong Kong to develop our Muse concept for women," Ms Woo added.
     
      Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion, Dr Jimmy Chiang, said, "Hong Kong's international status adds value for foreign investors targeting global markets. In addition, we offer comprehensive systems such as a low tax regime, an effective legal system and an availability of experienced sales and marketing professionals, making our city the ideal place for brands that want to promote their products and concepts to the world. We are confident that Cecilia Woo can prosper in Hong Kong and thrive in the world markets."
     
About Cecilia Woo
      
      The company was set up in California in late 2014 as the Cecilia Couture Corporation, and has registered the Cecilia Woo light luxury brand. Over the past four years, it has developed its own online and offline sales network and a comprehensive product-design supply chain system. For more information, please visit ceciliawoo.us.
      
 About InvestHK
      
      InvestHK is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government responsible for attracting foreign direct investment and supporting overseas and Mainland businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services for overseas and Mainland companies. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
      
      For event pictures, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72157710500077516.

     Police today (August 26) reminded travellers and members of the public to stay vigilant against thefts on board aircraft and not to bring restricted articles into Hong Kong.

     Police figures revealed that a total of 328 crime cases were recorded at the airport in the first six months of this year, representing a decrease of 15 cases when compared with the same period of last year. Among them, nine cases were thefts on board aircraft, involving a total of $0.83 million, while 160 cases were in connection with the seizure of restricted articles, such as extendable batons and stun guns.

     Police appealed to travellers to carefully look after their property. They should avoid placing large quantity of cash or valuable property inside the luggage cabin of aircraft, and should lock or zip their cabin luggage properly. In addition, inbound and outbound passengers are reminded not to bring with them any restricted articles when they are arriving in and departing Hong Kong.

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     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (August 26) that due to an insufficient number of lifeguards on duty, the lifesaving services at Golden Beach in Tuen Mun District are suspended until further notice.

     First aid services will be maintained at the beach.