Tag Archives: China

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Frozen tuna sample imported from Japan detected with mercury exceeding legal limit

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (December 28) that a sample of frozen tuna imported from Japan 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 at import level for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that it contained mercury at a level of 0.71 parts per million (ppm), exceeding the legal limit of 0.5 ppm.”

     The spokesman said the CFS had informed the importer concerned of the irregularity and had requested it to stop sale of the affected product. 

     “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. Investigation is ongoing. read more

East Asia

CHP reminds public on precautions against cold weather

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (December 28) reminded the public, particularly the elderly and people with chronic illnesses, to adopt appropriate measures to protect their health in view of the cold weather.

     A spokesman for the CHP said that cold weather can easily trigger or exacerbate diseases, especially among the elderly and persons suffering from heart disease, respiratory illness or other chronic illnesses.

     “Elderly people have less insulating fat beneath their skin to keep them warm and their body temperature control mechanism may be weaker. Their body may not be able to appropriately respond to the cold weather,” the spokesman said.

     Some senior persons may have decreased mobility, which can in turn slow down their ability to generate and conserve body heat. Chronic illnesses, such as hypertension, diabetes and endocrine disorders, may undermine the health of elderly people and lower their metabolic rate, subsequently causing their body to generate less heat.

     The CHP reminded the public, in particular the elderly and persons with chronic illnesses, to adopt the following preventive measures:
 

  • Take note of the weather forecast. Wear warm clothing, including hats, scarves, gloves and socks accordingly;
  • Consume sufficient food to ensure adequate calorie intake;
  • Perform regular exercise to facilitate blood circulation and heat production;
  • Stay in a warm environment and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure;
  • Use heaters with care and maintain adequate indoor ventilation; and
  • Seek medical advice if feeling unwell.
 
     In addition, the public should avoid alcoholic beverages.

     “Drinking alcohol cannot keep you warm. Alcohol accelerates the loss of body heat through dilated blood vessels, resulting in chilling instead,” the spokesman said.

     “Parents should ensure that babies are sufficiently warm, but it is also important to keep babies lightly clothed to avoid overheating them,” the spokesman added.

     Parents should observe the following safety measures when putting their children to bed:
 
  • Keep the room well ventilated and with a comfortable temperature;
  • Always place babies on their back to sleep. Babies usually sleep well without a pillow;
  • Place babies on a firm and well-fitted mattress to sleep. Avoid soft objects and loose bedding;
  • Leave their head, face and arms uncovered during sleep; and
  • Let babies sleep in a cot placed in the parents’ room and near their bed.

     Members of the public are advised to take heed of the following advice to reduce the risk of getting influenza and respiratory tract infections:
 
  • Maintain adequate rest, a balanced diet and regular physical activity, and avoid stress and do not smoke;
  • Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene;
  • Maintain good hand hygiene via proper handwashing or use of alcohol-based handrub;
  • Ensure good ventilation;
  • Wear a face mask in the event of influenza-like symptoms, while taking care of patients and when visiting hospitals or clinics;
  • Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper in a lidded rubbish bin and wash hands immediately afterwards;
  • Seek medical advice when feeling unwell, and stay at home; and
  • Receive seasonal influenza vaccination, which is suitable for all persons aged 6 months or above except those with known contraindications.

     Food-borne diseases, particularly those linked to hot pot cuisine, are also common in cold weather. The following preventive measures should be taken:
 
  • Wash hands before handling and consuming food;
  • Do not patronise unlicensed vendors or those with poor hygienic standards while selecting food;
  • Wash and cook all food thoroughly;
  • Vegetables should be washed thoroughly in clean running water before cooking and consumption. When appropriate, scrub vegetables with hard surfaces with a clean brush to remove dirt and substances, including pesticide residues and contaminants, from the surface and crevices;
  • Shrimps should be fully cooked by cooking them until the shells turn red and the flesh turns white and opaque;
  • For shellfish like scallops and geoduck, scrub the shells thoroughly and remove internal organs;
  • Most hot pot ingredients should be stored in a refrigerator at 4 degrees Celsius or below, while frozen food should be stored in a freezer at -18 degrees C or below;
  • Never use raw eggs as a dipping sauce for hot pot; and
  • Use different sets of chopsticks to handle raw and cooked food to avoid cross-contamination.

     In addition, the public should not use charcoal as cooking fuel in poorly ventilated areas, especially indoors, to avoid harmful exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) and prevent CO poisoning. While using other kinds of fuel, the public should also ensure adequate ventilation.

     For more health information, the public may call the DH’s Health Education Hotline (2833 0111) or visit the CHP’s website and Facebook Fanpage.

     The public may also call Dial-a-Weather (1878 200) or visit the website of the Hong Kong Observatory for the latest weather information and forecast, or its page on Weather Information for Senior Citizens. read more

East Asia