December 10, 2007

Hong Kong finds two more Maling pork products unsafe

Hong Kong's Centre for Food Safety found two more Shanghai Maling pork luncheon meat products tainted with chemicals.

Dr, Miranda Lee, the centre's assistant director, said that among 19 canned pork products tested so far, three failed.

Shanghai-based Maling Food Co. issued a statement Friday saying it had sent top executives to Hong Kong to assist in the investigation.

Maling officials also expressed that the company takes the issue very seriously and is asking the Hong Kong uthorities to recall the affected products.

Apart from the unsatisfactory Shanghai Maling pork luncheon meat, another Maling sample was found to contain traces of malachite green and a Maling stewed pork rib had traces of nitrofurans metabolite. Both products were made in Beijing.

However, Dr. Lee said that based on the very low level of chemicals detected, normal consumption should not pose any serious health risks to consumers.

The centre announced to step up inspection and inform the relevant Mainland authorities for follow-up action.

The investigation comes amid a slew of findings of potentially unsafe foods and other products. Chinese officials vowed to tighten controls on food processors, slaughterhouses and other suppliers to help improve safety.

Maling is one of China's best-known food companies, with shares in its Shanghai Maling Aquarius Co. traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

Export suspension applies to all Maling canned food products, which include meat, seafood, fruits and vegetables.