CFS urges public not to consume three batches of French cheese suspected to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (September 4) urged the public not to consume three batches of cheese originating from France due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The trade should stop using or selling the affected products immediately if they possess any of them.
Details of the products are as follows:
Product name (1): Brie 3kg 50%
Brand: Paturages Comtois
Place of origin: France
Net weight: 3 kilograms
Lot number: 00000BPBY1
Use-by date: October 1, 2026
Importer: Noja Fine Trade Limited
Hotline: 2178 2229
Product name (2): Brie 60% 1kg Grand Export
Brand: Paturages Comtois
Place of origin: France
Net weight: 1 kilogram
Lot number: 00000BXCG1
Use-by date: October 10, 2026
Importer: Maxly Food Company Limited
Hotline: 2552 7128
Product name (3): Pointe De Brie 180g
Brand: Paturages Comtois
Place of origin: France
Net weight: 180 grams
Lot number: 000000BXCG
Use-by date: August 30, 2026
Importer: King Rise (Asia) Limited
Hotline: 2492 2677
“The CFS received a notification from the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed of the European Commission that the above-mentioned products were possibly contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. A preliminary investigation found that the above-mentioned importers had imported into Hong Kong the affected batches of the products concerned,” a spokesman for the CFS said.
The importers concerned have stopped sales and removed from shelves the affected batches of the products, and have initiated recalls according to the CFS’s instructions. Members of the public may call the respective hotlines during office hours for enquiries.
“Listeria monocytogenes can be easily destroyed by cooking but can survive and multiply at refrigerator temperature. Most healthy individuals do not develop symptoms or only have mild symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea when infected. However, severe complications such as septicaemia, meningitis or even death may occur in newborns, the elderly and those with a weaker immune system. Although infected pregnant women may just experience mild symptoms generally, the infection of Listeria monocytogenes may cause miscarriage, infant death, preterm birth, or severe infection in newborns,” the spokesman added.
“In order to reduce the risk of listeriosis, susceptible populations such as pregnant women should consume freshly prepared hot food where possible, reheat chilled food until it is hot all the way through, and avoid high-risk foods, including ready-to-eat food such as cold cuts, cold smoked seafood, soft cheeses, salads, etc, or cook them thoroughly before consumption, even if they are presented as part of a dish.”
The spokesman advised members of the public to stop consuming the affected products and seek medical treatment if they feel unwell after consuming the products concerned.
The CFS will alert the trade to the incidents, and will continue to follow up and take appropriate actions. The investigations are ongoing.
Source: AI-found images
DEVB requests review of project supervision on new Clinical Block of Queen Mary Hospital
A spokesman for the Development Bureau (DEVB) said today (September 4) that the Bureau is highly concerned about the newly installed lifts at the new Clinical Block of Queen Mary Hospital failing to function effectively. The DEVB has requested the Architectural Services Department (ArchSD) and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) to submit reports, so as to comprehensively review the acceptance and supervision work undertaken by the two departments for the project.
The spokesman pointed out that the relevant departments have been responsible for supervising the contractor’s work for this hospital project. Upon learning of the unsatisfactory progress of works earlier, the DEVB has accorded top priority to urging the departments to complete the rectification and follow-up works expeditiously over the past few months. This includes conducting comprehensive examination of various lift components (such as electronic devices, connections, and shaft conditions), as well as the workmanship of construction and installation, with a view to identifying the root causes that affect the stable operation of the lifts for rectification. The relevant works are being carried out at full speed to minimise project delays. Currently, various follow-up works are progressing in an orderly manner as planned and are expected to be completed within the fourth quarter of this year.
The spokesman said, “We consider this an appropriate time to embark on another area of work, and launch a comprehensive review of the supervisory work of the relevant departments, including the ArchSD and the EMSD, for this project. It seeks to examine whether there are areas for improvement and explore whether there is room to enhance the supervision mechanism for similar projects. We have requested both departments to submit reports, so that the DEVB can complete the review and put forward subsequent arrangements within October.”
Source: AI-found images
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