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 From Hong Kong's Information Services Department
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December 8, 2006
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Food safety
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Malachite green found in fish heads

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Centre for Food Safety Department

The Centre for Food Safety has disposed of more than 400kg of chilled fish heads after finding traces of malachite green in a fish head sample seized from a fish stall at the Cheung Sha Wan Wholesale Food Market.

 

The centre visited the market after receiving a tip. It found the fish heads along with chilled mud carp minced flesh were not accompanied by health certificates.

 

Test results showed the fish head sample had malachite green at a level of 0.0046 ppm, while the mud carp sample was satisfactory.

 

It is now tracing the source and distribution of the fish heads. It will continue to monitor the situation and take action against fish and fish products coming through improper channels.

 

Vermicelli tests satisfactory

After a Mainland brand of vermicelli was recently found to contain non-permitted substances, a trading company notified the centre that it had imported the same brand several months ago. It could provide no further information, though.

 

The centre recently took six vermicelli samples to test for formaldehyde and sulphur dioxide. All the samples were satisfactory.

 

The centre says it will continue to follow up the case, and reminded consumers to thoroughly soak vermicelli in water, as any formaldehyde would dissolve. Then wash and cook the noodles before eating them.