You know that canned fried dace with black beans that we love to eat with porridge, rice or basically any food? You know which one we mean! If you love eating that then we have some bad news for you.
Source: Tasty Island Hawaii
According to a recent press release by the Hong Kong government, it appears that a batch of the canned fried dace has been found to contain a trace amount of malachite green. Apparently, the banned substance was discovered by The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department while investigating a food complaint.
CFS has since asked the trader to stop selling the items and pull the batch off the shelves. Meanwhile, they also said that the importer, On Chak Trading Co., has voluntarily issued a recall of the items to prevent any untoward incidents.
Source: Tasty Island Hawaii
CFS said, “We found the above-mentioned batch of canned fried dace, which was detected to contain a trace amount (0.78 parts per billion) of malachite green, in a shop in Sham Shui Po. Members of the public may call the hotline of the importer/distributor at 2540 1215 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.”
Malachite green is a banned substance in many countries such as Mainland China, European Union and Canada for use in animals that will be consumed as food. This chemical is actually an industrial dye and is usually used for treating infection in fishes. The Hong Kong government does not allow any food sold in Hong Kong to contain this substance.
Source: HKFP
Here’s the batch involved:
Product name: Pearl River Bridge fried dace with salted black beans
Place of origin: China
Net weight: 227 grams
Best before: May 21, 2018
It is not known whether the ones sold in Malaysia are affected but just to be on the safe side, be sure to check the ones you have at home. Or before you buy!
However, if you happen to have consumed this particular batch, CFS said, “Based on the level of malachite green detected in the product concerned, it will not cause adverse health effects under usual consumption.” Still, better to be safe than sorry!
Source: Tasty Island Hawaii
This is not the first time that the same brand and item has been found to contain the exact same ingredient. Back in 2015, HKFP reported that the same incident happened and tins of the fish were immediately pulled off the shelves.
CFS is still investigating this case but offenders who are convicted could face a maximum fine of HKD50,000 (approx. RM26,600) and up to six months in jail.
Remember to check before you eat!
Also read: If You’re Using Any of These 4 Contact Lenses, You Should Check the LOT Number!
