CFS finds malachite green in small snakehead and snakehead fish samples

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (May 20) announced that malachite green was found in a small snakehead fish sample and a snakehead fish sample. The CFS is following up on the incidents.

     A CFS spokesman said, "The CFS collected the above-mentioned small snakehead sample and snakehead sample from a stall at the Cheung Sha Wan Wholesale Food Market for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test results showed that both samples contained malachite green at levels of 3.2 parts per billion (ppb) and 2.3 ppb respectively."

     The spokesman said that the CFS has informed the vendor concerned of the irregularities and instructed the vendor to stop sales of the affected products. The CFS is also tracing the sources and distribution of the products concerned.

     Malachite green is a type of industrial dye and has been used for treating infections in fish. Currently, malachite green has been prohibited for use in food-producing animals in many countries. According to the Harmful Substances in Food Regulations (Cap. 132AF), no food sold in Hong Kong is allowed to contain malachite green. Offenders will be prosecuted and liable to a fine of $50,000 and to imprisonment for six months upon conviction.

     The CFS will continue to follow up on the incidents and take appropriate action. Investigations are ongoing.