The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced on July 5 that a sample of common oriental clam was detected with 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 fresh provision shop in Sha Tin for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained chloramphenicol at a level of 19.6 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 shellfish) 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.