The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department today confirmed the presence of food colouring in two fish samples taken from market stalls.

Of the 27 yellow croaker samples taken for analysis by the Government Laboratory, the department said two collected from a To Kwa Wan Market stall contained yellow colourings Tartrazine and Sunset Yellow FCF.

Under the Colouring Matter in Food Regulations, Tartrazine and Sunset Yellow FCF are permitted in general food. But no colouring can be added to fish which is in a raw and unprocessed state.

The department will continue to monitor the situation and advise retailers not to add colours to fish on sale for consumption.