CFS finds traces of malachite green in grass carp sample

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (October 10) announced that a trace amount of malachite green was found in a grass carp sample. Follow-up is in progress.

     A CFS spokesman said, "Subsequent to finding of a grass carp sample and a grass carp fish maw sample containing trace amounts of malachite green, the CFS has enhanced surveillance on grass carp available for sale in the local market. The CFS therefore took 12 grass carp samples at retail level for testing for malachite green. One of the grass carp samples, which was collected from a stall in Shek Tong Tsui Market, was found to contain a trace amount of malachite green at a level of 0.96 parts per billion. The remaining 11 samples passed the tests.

     "Malachite green is a type of industrial dye and has been used for treating infection in fish. Major agricultural economies such as the Mainland, the European Union, Canada and the United States prohibit the use of the chemical in food fish. 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 will be liable to a fine of $50,000 and to imprisonment for six months upon conviction."

     The CFS has informed the vendor concerned of the irregularity and is following up on the unsatisfactory result, including tracing the source and taking samples for testing.

     The CFS will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action.