CFS urges public not to consume several kinds of imported cereal products suspected to be contaminated with Salmonella

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (January 17) urged the public not to consume several kinds of imported cereal products, as the products might have been contaminated with Salmonella, a pathogen. The trade should stop using or selling the products concerned immediately if they possess them.

     Product details are as follows:

Product names: 
(1) QUAKER OATMEAL SQUARES HONEY NUT
(2) QUAKER OATMEAL SQUARES CINNAMON
(3) QUAKER OATMEAL SQUARES ORIGINAL
Brand: QUAKER 
Pack size: 14.5 ounces
Place of origin: United States (US)
Best-before dates: January 11 to October 1, 2024
Importer: PepsiCo Beverages (HK) Ltd

     A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS, through its Food Incident Surveillance System, noted a notification from the Food and Drug Administration of the US that the above-mentioned products might have been contaminated by Salmonella. Upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately contacted local importers for follow-up. A preliminary investigation found that the above-mentioned importer had imported into Hong Kong the affected products concerned."

     The importer concerned has stopped sales, removed from shelves the affected products and has initiated a recall according to the CFS's instructions. Members of the public may call the hotline of the importer at 2236 5480 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.

     "Salmonella infection may cause fever and gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. The effects on infants, young children, the elderly and persons with a weak immune system could be more severe and may even lead to death," the spokesman said.

     The spokesman urged consumers not to consume the affected products if they have bought any. The trade should also stop using or selling the products concerned immediately if they possess them.

     The CFS will alert the trade to the incident, and will continue to follow up and take appropriate action. The investigation is ongoing.