Global Food

Hong Kong | Centre for Food Safety announces test results on hot pot food samples

  The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department on November 27 announced the test results of a recently completed surveillance project assessing the food safety of hot pot cuisine. A total of 315 hot pot food samples were collected and all passed the tests. A CFS spokesman said, "Hong Kong people like eating hot pot meals. As food additives such as colouring matters, preservatives and maleic acid may be used during the making of hot pot ingredients, beverages and sauces, the CFS conducted this project in a bid to provide timely food safety information to consumers and the trade." The CFS collected different kinds of hot pot food samples, including meat and meat products (such as beef balls and pork balls), aquatic and related products (such as fish balls, shrimp balls and cuttlefish balls), bean products (such as dried bean curds, tofu and soya bean sticks), noodles, soup bases, beverages (such as juice and sour plum drinks) and sauces from restaurants, fresh provision shops, supermarkets, groceries, market stalls and retailers (including online retailers) for chemical and microbiological testing. Chemical tests included testing for colouring matters, preservatives, maleic acid and metallic contaminants, while microbiological tests for ready-to-eat food included testing for Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella and coagulase-positive staphylococci. The spokesman reminded the public that food safety is a shared responsibility and all those involved in the food supply chain - from farms and food manufacturers to food handlers and consumers - should put in place safety measures. He advised the trade not to entertain orders beyond handling capacity. The trade should also comply with legal requirements, follow Good Manufacturing Practice, use permitted food additives in an appropriate manner, and check the quality of food and ingredients upon delivery. Furthermore, he advised food handlers and consumers to apply the following Five Keys to Food Safety when handling and preparing food: Choose wisely --------------- * Patronise reliable shops and select fresh and hygienic foods for hot pot ingredients; and * For prepackaged foods or soup bases, check whether the packaging is intact and if the select foods are expired. Keep clean ------------ * Observe good food, environmental and personal hygiene when preparing foods. All food ingredients must be thoroughly washed; * Poultry meat, pork and beef should be washed and sliced into thin strips for easy cooking; * For shellfish like scallops and geoduck, scrub the shells thoroughly and remove the internal organs; * Before eating and handling food ingredients, wash hands thoroughly with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds; and * If there is a wound on the hand, cover it properly with a waterproof bandage or put on a glove before handling food. Separate raw and cooked food ---------------------------------- * When shopping for hot pot ingredients, buy prepackaged foods first and raw meat, poultry and seafood last; * When shopping or delivering food, raw foods should be kept separately from other ready-to-eat foods or cooked foods to prevent cross-contamination; and * Handle raw and cooked foods carefully and separate them completely during the cooking process. Use separate sets of chopsticks and utensils with different appearances to handle raw and cooked foods and avoid contact between raw and cooked foods on the table to prevent cross-contamination. Cook thoroughly ------------------ * During the whole eating process, take thoroughly cooked food out of the pot only when the soup is boiling completely. Whenever water or soup is added to the pot, wait until it is boiling hot before adding food for cooking; * Shrimps should be fully cooked until the shells turn red and the flesh turns white and opaque. Shellfish should be boiled until their shells open and boiled for a further three to five minutes afterwards. Shucked oysters should be cooked in the boiling water for at least three minutes before consumption; * Do not consume cooked foods that are mixed with raw eggs as pathogenic or antimicrobial resistant micro-organisms may be present in raw or undercooked eggs; and * Condiments such as soy sauce, vinegar, wine, chili and wasabi cannot kill bacteria or parasites that may be present in hot pot ingredients. Safe temperature -------------------- * Most hot pot ingredients should be stored in a refrigerator at 4 degrees Celsius or below, while frozen foods should be stored in a freezer at -18 degrees C or below; and * Do not thaw frozen foods at room temperature as bacteria may multiply rapidly in food. It is preferable to defrost frozen foods in a refrigerator, microwave oven or under running water. Thawed foods should be cooked as soon as possible. "People should also pay attention to the amount of food consumed and follow a balanced diet when having hot pot meals. To reduce fat intake, it is preferable to choose a clear soup base as it contains less fat than bone, satay and mala soup bases. Eat vegetables first to fill oneself up and then meat to prevent overeating. Members of the public should also eat more vegetables with high dietary fibre and less fatty meats and animal offal, and use less sauce and condiments. If there are nutrition labels for hot pot products, make healthier food choices by referring to their nutritional contents and choosing those lower in fat, sodium and sugars," the spokesman said. 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

EU | Reports that China's export food supplements and children's tableware are unqualified

According to EU Rapid alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), on 26 November 2020, the EU informed of China’s exports of food supplements and children's tableware failed. The specific notification information is as follows: Notification time Notifying country Notification product Numbering Reason for notification Sales status/action Notification type 2020-11-26 United Kingdom Food supplement 2020.5314 2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP) Product online transaction/-- Attention information bulletin 2020-11-26 Spain Children's tableware 2020.5240 Formaldehyde migration (up to 23.3mg/kg) Product has not been put on the market/no action taken Notification of refusal of entry Foodmate reminds all export companies to strictly follow the requirements of the exporting country to export their products, pay attention to the migration of various substances in food contact materials, ensure the safety of food and related products, and avoid export risks. Please note: This article is translated based on Google web translation software, if there is an error, please contact us as soon as possible to correct. 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

Australia revises imported food control order

  On November 25, 2020, the Australian Federal Register issued Announcement F2020C01044, the new version of the "imported Food Control Order" The main content of the order includes terms and definitions, classification and identification of high-risk foods, and import certificate requirements for high-risk foods. The schedule also lists the imported high-risk foods, including beef and its products, Cheese in which growth of Listeria monocytogenes can occur, Crustaceans and crustacean products that are cooked and ready‑to‑eat, some kinds of fish, peanuts and pistachio products. The order became effective on the date of issuance, and the old version of the order issued in 2019 (Announcement F2019L01233) shall be invalidated at the same time. For more details, please refer to: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2020C01044 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

Hong Kong | FEHD raids fresh provision shop for selling chilled meat as fresh meat

  The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) raided a fresh provision shop (FPS) in Queen's Road West, Western, on November 26 as it was suspected that chilled meat was sold as fresh meat. During the operation, FEHD officers marked and sealed about 250 kilogrammes of suspected chilled and frozen pork in the shop for further investigation. Two samples of pork were also collected for analysis for preservatives. The licensee was invited to assist in investigations for suspected violation of the Food Business Regulation. Prosecution will be taken out if sufficient evidence is collected. A department spokesman said, "Anyone selling chilled meat without permission commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment on conviction. The department will continue to closely monitor the sale of fresh meat at retail level and take stringent enforcement action to safeguard food safety and public health. Separately, the sale of chilled meat as fresh meat is a breach of licensing condition and the department will consider and follow up cancellation of the FPS licence if sufficient evidence is collected." 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

South Korea released partial amendments to the Codex Alimentarius, amending the residue limit standards for 59 pesticides including biguanide

On November 26, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of South Korea issued Announcement No. 2020-114, amending some of the contents of the Food Code. The main contents are as follows: 1. Modify the classification of foods for special medical purposes, and newly set the definition and standards of diet-based foods for diet management. 2. Revise the standards and specifications of food for the elderly. 3. Revise the residue limit standards for 59 pesticides including biguanide. 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

Hong Kong | Kinds of paste from Singapore may contain allergen (fish)

  The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department on November 25 said that several kinds of paste imported from Singapore may contain an allergen, fish, but it was not declared on the products' food label. A CFS spokesman said consumers who are allergic to fish are advised not to consume the products concerned. The trade should also stop using or selling the affected products immediately should they possess them. Details of the products are as follows: Product name: Sambal Belachan Chilli Paste Brand: Kwong Cheong Thye Place of origin: Singapore importer: Tropical Trading Company Net weight: 230 grams Best-before dates: September 5, 2021, and November 8, 2021 Product name: Crispy Chilli Brand: Kwong Cheong Thye Place of origin: Singapore importer: Tropical Trading Company Net weight: 230g Best-before dates: May 16, 2021, December 11, 2021, and December 29, 2021 Product name: Chili Crab Sauce Brand: Kwong Cheong Thye Place of origin: Singapore importer: Tropical Trading Company Net weight: 300g Best-before dates: all dates Product name: Laksa Paste Brand: Kwong Cheong Thye Place of origin: Singapore importer: Tropical Trading Company Net weight: 200g and 1 kilogram Best-before dates: July 23, 2021 (for 200g), July 3, 2021, and September 10, 2021 (for 1kg) A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS, through its Food Incident Surveillance System, noted a notice issued by the Singapore Food Agency that the abovementioned products are being recalled as the products may contain fish but it is not declared on the products' food label. Upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately contacted local major importers and retailers for follow-up." A preliminary investigation found that an importer, Tropical Trading Company, had imported some of the affected products into Hong Kong. The CFS immediately contacted the importer concerned for follow-up. The importer has initiated a recall according to the CFS' instructions. Enquiries about the recall can be made to the hotline at 2366 8606 during office hours. "Fish is a known food allergen. Those who are allergic to it may develop symptoms like shortness of breath, skin itchiness and rash upon consumption. In severe cases anaphylactic shock may even develop." The spokesman advised consumers who are allergic to fish to stop consuming the products concerned. People should seek medical treatment if they feel unwell after consuming them. The Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations (Cap. 132W) require that all prepackaged food for sale in Hong Kong should list out the food ingredients in its list of ingredients. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment. The CFS will alert the trade to the incident and will continue to follow up 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

South Korea investigates and prosecutes 282 common foods that claim to improve the memory of college entrance examination candidates and relieve fatigue

  On November 26, South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) issued a message saying: South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has investigated and dealt with 282 products with false and exaggerated advertisements such as "improving the memory of college entrance examination candidates" and "relieving fatigue" on ordinary food . , Delete relevant shopping websites, and impose severe sanctions such as administrative sanctions on 50 companies that deliberately and habitually violate relevant regulations. The main violations are: 1. Ads that mislead consumers to misidentify or confuse ordinary foods as health functional foods (135 cases) 2. False and exaggerated advertisements (75 cases) 3. Ads that mislead consumers to misunderstand common foods as medicines (57 cases) 4. Other advertisements that deceive consumers and claim that the product has the effect of preventing and curing diseases. Please note: This article is translated based on Google web translation software, if there is an error, please contact us as soon as possible to correct. 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

SAMR | Publication of 102 National Standard Sample Research And Replication Projects Including “Qualitative Standard Samples of Shigella in Milk Powder”

  On November 24, the State Administration for Market Regulation announced 102 national standard sample research and replication projects, including the Qualitative Standard Sample of Shigella in Milk powder. The deadline for publicity is December 10, 2020.         11月24日，国家市场监督管理总局公示《乳粉中志贺氏菌定性标准样品》等102项国家标准样品研复制计划项目，公示截止时间为2020年12月10日。 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

South Korea issued a partial amendment to the "Notice on Import Hygienic Conditions of Special Hygienic Management Foods"

  On November 23, the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) issued a notice amending some of the contents of “Notice on import Hygienic Conditions of Special Hygienic Management Foods”. The main contents are as follows: 1. Add fish heads and offal from Uruguay to the products list that allowed to be imported. 2. Modify the format of the attached table and indicate the specific range of species or parts of the species that can be imported. 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

Spain conducts international large-scale food promotion activities in China

  On November 24, the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) issued a message saying: The Spanish Minister of Food Industry José Miguel Herrero attended the theme "Spain Food Nation" online promotion of the event to promote Spanish agricultural products on a global scale. "Spain Food Nation" is a large-scale event held in Spain to promote the trade of agricultural products and food. As a large agricultural country, the country continues to export a large number of high-quality and healthy agricultural products to the world. The event was sponsored by MAPA and the Spanish Foreign Trade Development and Investment Agency (ICEX), with a total amount of 4 million euros, promoting Spain’s high-quality, diverse and sustainable agricultural products to more than 20 international market. It is broadcast in twelve languages on mainstream international media and digital platforms in Europe, America, Asia and Africa. In the next few months, Spain plans to conduct Spanish food promotion activities in more than ten countries including the United States, Britain, Germany, Japan, and China. The "Spain Food Nation" event will continue until June 2021. Please note: This article is translated based on Google web translation software, if there is an error, please contact us as soon as possible to correct. 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