Veterinary drug chloramphenicol found in venus clam sample
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (June 8) that a sample of venus clam was detected to contain a veterinary drug, chloramphenicol. The CFS is following up on the case.
　　
A CFS spokesman said, "The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample from a stall at Bowrington Road Market in Wan Chai for testing under its Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained chloramphenicol at a level of 5 micrograms per kilogram."
The spokesman said that the CFS has informed the vendor concerned of the irregularity and instructed the vendor to stop sale of the affected product. The CFS is also tracing the source and distribution of the product concerned.
According to the Harmful Substances in Food Regulations (Cap. 132AF), no fish (including shell fish) sold in Hong Kong for human consumption is allowed to contain chloramphenicol. Offenders will be liable to a fine of $50,000 and to imprisonment for six months upon conviction.
The CFS will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. An investigation is ongoing.