The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (March 26) urged the public not to consume a batch of bottled apple juice drink imported from New Zealand, as a sample of the product was detected with a mycotoxin, patulin, at a concentration exceeding the legal limit. The trade should stop using or selling the affected batch of the product immediately if they possess it.

     “The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample at a supermarket in Yuen Long for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained patulin at a level of 78 micrograms per kilogram, exceeding the legal limit of 50 micrograms per kilogram of the food,” a spokesman for the CFS said.

     Product details are as follows:

Product name: 100% PURE NZ APPLE JUICE
Brand: Homegrown
Place of origin: New Zealand
Importer: The Dairy Farm Company Limited
Volume: One litre per bottle
Best-before date: May 14, 2026

     The CFS has informed the importer concerned of the irregularity. The importer concerned has stopped sale and removed from shelves the affected batch of the product, and initiated a recall according to the CFS’s instructions. Members of the public may call its hotline at 2299 3966 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.

     “Patulin mostly occurs in rotten apple and its products. Animal studies have shown that ingesting high doses of patulin can induce liver, spleen and kidney damage, as well as toxicity to the immune system. For humans, nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances and vomiting have been reported,” the spokesman said.

     According to the Harmful Substances in Food Regulations (Cap. 132AF), any person who sells apple juice or other beverages to which apple juice has been added, with patulin concentration exceeding the legal limit commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction.

     The CFS will alert the trade, continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action to safeguard food safety and public health. An investigation is ongoing.

     ​Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the Kai Tak Art Week 2026 today (March 26):

Adrian (Chairman of Mega Arts and Cultural Events Committee, Dr Adrian Cheng), Andrew (Chief Executive Officer (Designate) of Kai Tak Sports Park, Mr Andrew Kam), Ms Connie Butler (Director of MoMA PS1), Daniel (Director of Development of MoMA PS1, Mr Daniel Schaeffer), Angela (Chief Marketing and Customer Officer of AXA Hong Kong and Macau, Ms Angela Wong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     It is indeed my greatest pleasure to join you today for the second edition of Kai Tak Art Week. With the theme “Art&Tech: Pulse of the Digital”, this year’s Art Week explores the evolving interplay between art and technology. Over the past week, I have seen with delight digital artworks showcased at Kai Tak Gallery, Kai Tak Mall, and West Bridge, connecting visitors and artists through digital storytelling and reflections on the complexities of human experience and emotion.

     A highlight of this week is today’s discussion panel, which offers valuable insights into contemporary artistic practices. Taking this opportunity, I would also like to share a few thoughts on how arts technology and digital innovation can realise our vision of positioning Hong Kong as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

     The advancement of arts technology enables multi-sensory experiences that transcend geographical and temporal boundaries, turning what was once impossible into reality. In performing arts, our newly established East Kowloon Cultural Centre, which is not far away from here at all, is set to become a flagship venue where creativity is sparked and artistic potential is unleashed through the convergence of technology. Its opening programme, “HighLights – The Memories of Charles Kao”, seamlessly integrated cutting-edge technology with a stellar creative team, making excellent use of the advanced facilities that the Centre has to offer.

     On the exhibition front, I am sure many of you have experienced the immersive virtual journeys brought to life by our museums. From “Cézanne and Renoir Looking at the World” organised by the Hong Kong Museum of Art – which took audiences on a time train into the artistic worlds of two French impressionist masters – to “The Ways in Patterns: An Immersive Digital Exhibition” from the Palace Museum, which explores the beauty of traditional Chinese patterns through the digital realm. We eagerly look forward to a future where our sector continues to create extraordinary works and curate immersive experiences that harness the true potential of arts technology.

     As we embrace the boundless possibilities unlocked by rapid integration of arts and technology, we also celebrate the enduring importance of visual arts and craftsmanship. We have commissioned a series of outdoor installations and public art pieces inspired by Kai Tak’s unique aviation heritage and the spirit of sports. These works, ranging from traditional bamboo weaving to contemporary sculptures, showcase the immense talent of our local artists. By integrating these physical masterpieces into the park’s landscape, we aim to make world-class art accessible to all.

     So, we will keep moving to stay ahead of the curve. As we embrace fully both traditional and contemporary artistic expressions, I am confident that Hong Kong will emerge as a leader and be a true East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

     Before I close, I would like to thank Adrian for the kind invitation and his passion in developing arts and culture in Hong Kong. I hope everyone will make the most out of this valuable opportunity to exchange views on arts technology and to appreciate many forms of art in our community. I wish you all a very wonderful time in Hong Kong. Thank you.