Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam; together with the Secretaries of Department and Directors of Bureau, and the Commissioner of Police, at a media session today (July 22): … read more
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 22) that the leisure and cultural facilities at Fung Kam Street Sports Centre, Yuen Long Stadium, Long Ping Sports Centre, Yuen Long Swimming Pool, Yuen Long Theatre… read more
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (July 22) that a sample of frozen swordfish was found to contain a metal contaminant, mercury, at a level exceeding the legal limit. The CFS is following up on the case.
A spokesman for the CFS said, “The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample from an online shop for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that it contained mercury at a level of 0.89 parts per million (ppm), exceeding the legal limit of 0.5 ppm.”
The spokesman said the CFS had informed the vendor concerned of the irregularity and had requested it to stop sale of the affected batch of the product. The Centre is tracing the source of the product concerned.
“Mercury may affect the nervous system, particularly the developing brain. At high levels, mercury can affect foetal brain development, and affect vision, hearing, muscle co-ordination and memory in adults. Furthermore, as some international organisations such as the World Health Organization have pointed out, consuming predatory fish species is the main source of mercury intake for human beings. The report of the CFS’ Total Diet Study has also pointed out that large fish or predatory fish species may contain high mercury levels (for example, tuna, alfonsino, shark, swordfish, marlin, orange roughy and king mackerel). Hence, groups particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of mercury, such as pregnant women, women planning pregnancy and young children, should opt for fish that are smaller in size for consumption and avoid consumption of the above-mentioned types of fish which may contain high mercury levels to minimise the health risk posed to the foetus, infants and young children by excessive exposure to metal contaminants in food,” he added.
According to the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations (Cap 132V), any person who sells food with metallic contamination above the legal limit may be prosecuted and is liable upon conviction to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
“People are advised to maintain a balanced and varied diet. To avoid health risks posed by excessive intake of metallic contaminants, pregnant women, women planning pregnancy and young children should avoid eating large or predatory fish,” the spokesman said.
The CFS will continue to follow up on the case and take appropriate action. An investigation is ongoing. read more
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 22) investigating a case of severe paediatric enterovirus (EV) infection, and again urged the public and institutions to maintain strict hand, personal and environmental hygiene.
The case involves a 1-month-old baby girl, with good past health, who presented with fever and decreased appetite on July 3. She was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Mary Hospital for medical attention on the same day and was admitted for management. The patient’s condition remained stable and she was discharged on July 9.
Laboratory tests of her cerebrospinal fluid specimen were positive for EV. The clinical diagnosis was meningitis.
Investigations are ongoing.
A spokesman for the CHP said that as EV infection is transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, the public should be vigilant and observe the following preventive measures:
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today (July 22) announced that the Executive Director (External), Mr Vincent Lee, will leave the HKMA on resignation for personal reason with effect from August 1, 2019.
Commenting on Mr Vincent Lee’s resignation, the Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Norman Chan, said “I would like to thank Vincent for his dedicated service and contributions to the HKMA’s work in the past 25 years. My colleagues and I wish him every success in his future endeavours.”
Mr Vincent Lee will be succeeded by the Executive Director (Corporate Services), Mr Darryl Chan, who will continue to oversee the operation of the Corporate Services Department pending the appointment of his successor. read more