The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (August 4) announced that malachite green was found in a green grouper sample. A follow-up is in progress.

A CFS spokesman said, "The CFS collected the above-mentioned green grouper sample at import level for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained malachite green at a level of 18 parts per billion."

The spokesman said that the CFS has informed the importer concerned of the irregularity and instructed it to stop sale of the affected product. The CFS is also tracing the source of the product 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 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.

---

Business Division of Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance of Global Foodmate provides food standards & regulations research, labelling compliance consulting/Chinese label design, industry public opinion monitoring and analysis, registration services (of Infant formula, FSMP, Health food, Novel Food Ingredients, Novel Food Additives, New Varieties of Food-Related Products and Overseas manufacturers of imported food) and other comprehensive food safety solutions for domestic and overseas enterprises and institutions in food industry. 

Please feel free to contact us: +86 10 68869850, E-mail: global_info@foodmate.net