December 4, 2007

Hong Kong discovers chemical in canned pork from China, after Singapore

Hong Kong's Centre for Food Safety found low level of nitrofurans metabolite in one sample of Shanghai Maling B2 pork luncheon.

Following Singapore's detection of nitrofurans in some brands of canned pork products, the centre has taken 11 samples of similar products of the same brands.

Results showed the 10 samples were free of nitrofurans, while the Shanghai Maling sample contained 0.0022 parts per million of the chemical. More tests are to follow.

Dr. Miranda Lee, the centre's Assistant Director for Food Surveillance & Control, explained that while normal consumption should not pose any serious health effect, the retailer for the product has suspended its sale and initiated a recall.

Hong Kong's sole agent imported 20,000 cans earlier this year and will inform the manufacturer to follow up on the case.