https://www.scmp.com/rss/522358/feed The Centre for Food Safety (CFS): A prominent Hong Kong-based governmental body, the CFS is the food safety authority of the Hong Kong government, established in May 2006. Its primary mission is to ensure food is safe and fit for consumption, protecting public health and enhancing food safety regulation through collaboration with the food trade and consumers. Headquartered at Queensway Government Offices, its main activities include food surveillance, enforcement, risk assessment, and public... en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Denise Tsang Denise Tsang Hong Kong’s food safety watchdog has urged people with gluten allergies not to eat a Marks & Spencer yoghurt product after the allergen was found but not declared on the label. The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) said on Monday night it was investigating the omission of gluten from the ingredients list of the supermarket’s authentic vanilla Greek yoghurt product. The affected batch, imported by Alf Retail Hong Kong Limited, is sold in 500g (18oz) packs with a use-by date of May 12. “The CFS noticed... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3350774/hong-kong-watchdog-warns-undeclared-gluten-marks-and-spencer-yoghurt?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3350774/hong-kong-watchdog-warns-undeclared-gluten-marks-and-spencer-yoghurt?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:49:26 +0000 Danny Mok,Theodora Yu Danny Mok,Theodora Yu Hong Kong food safety authorities have ordered an immediate halt to the sale of oysters from a French brand, after suspected gastroenteritis cases emerged in the Netherlands, which some catering industry operators said weakened consumer confidence and added to the woes of the already struggling sector. The Centre for Food Safety on Wednesday also ordered the trade to suspend imports of raw oysters from the French brand Josephine that were produced and packed between March 5 and 25. Chris Chung,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3349442/hong-kong-halts-raw-oyster-sales-french-brand-over-possible-gastroenteritis-link?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3349442/hong-kong-halts-raw-oyster-sales-french-brand-over-possible-gastroenteritis-link?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:33:07 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words Earlier this year, the Centre for Food Safety noted that a number of Hongkongers had fallen ill after eating raw oysters, and pointed out that the norovirus is a pathogen of concern in such cases. There are food safety and hygiene regulations in place regarding raw oysters, so how... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3348883/hong-kong-consumers-need-not-be-sea-when-it-comes-oysters?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3348883/hong-kong-consumers-need-not-be-sea-when-it-comes-oysters?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Apr 2026 03:30:08 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Food poisoning, while traumatic for victims, rarely draws wider attention unless there are clusters of cases. A spate of recent incidents linked to oysters served in Hong Kong must prompt quick action from the industry and health authorities to find the source, ensure safety and make changes to protect the city’s reputation. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department’s Centre for Food Safety has identified dozens of cases linked to raw shellfish imported from South Korea, Spain and France.... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3343888/food-poisoning-cases-hong-kong-must-prompt-swift-mitigation-efforts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3343888/food-poisoning-cases-hong-kong-must-prompt-swift-mitigation-efforts?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Feb 2026 22:45:07 +0000 Ng Kang-chung,Theodora Yu Ng Kang-chung,Theodora Yu Some Hong Kong restaurant operators have urged authorities to clearly tell the public about the origins of problematic raw oysters following a spate of food poisoning cases, so that diners can make informed decisions in the lead-up to Lunar New Year, their peak business season. Consumers are becoming increasingly wary about oysters, with some restaurants saying demand has plunged amid calls from health officials for diners to avoid consuming them raw as the number of norovirus-related food... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343555/share-where-risky-oysters-are-authorities-urged-after-food-poisoning-cases?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343555/share-where-risky-oysters-are-authorities-urged-after-food-poisoning-cases?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Feb 2026 02:50:35 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying,Danny Mok,Theodora Yu Lo Hoi-ying,Danny Mok,Theodora Yu Some recent food poisoning cases in Hong Kong have been linked to raw oysters supplied by a company in Spain, prompting authorities to instruct the food trade to suspend imports and sales from the firm. The Centre for Food Safety revealed the latest results of its investigation into dozens of recent food poisoning cases on Friday night – hours after a restaurant chain told the South China Morning Post that raw oysters consumed by diners who fell ill came from France and were supplied by a Hong... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3343376/hong-kong-diners-urged-avoid-raw-oysters-more-food-poisoning-cases-found?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3343376/hong-kong-diners-urged-avoid-raw-oysters-more-food-poisoning-cases-found?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Feb 2026 16:31:43 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Hong Kong authorities have ordered the food trade to stop selling raw oysters supplied by two local companies and a South Korean firm after their products were linked to 21 suspected food poisoning cases in the city. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department’s Centre for Food Safety (CFS) on Tuesday night revealed the results of an investigation into a spate of food poisoning incidents in recent weeks. Individuals involved in 10 cases had consumed oysters supplied by Seojun Mulsan Co Ltd in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3343096/hong-kong-hotel-removes-seafood-items-its-restaurants-amid-food-poisoning-cases?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3343096/hong-kong-hotel-removes-seafood-items-its-restaurants-amid-food-poisoning-cases?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Feb 2026 13:32:22 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong’s health authorities are investigating two food poisoning clusters linked to five people falling ill after eating raw oysters, adding to dozens of cases recorded in recent weeks. Officials also reminded residents on Sunday to maintain personal hygiene, as norovirus was more active in the winter months from December to March. The Centre for Health Protection reported that the latest two epidemiologically linked food poisoning clusters involved Chef’s Cuts at The Southside shopping... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3342825/hong-kong-food-poisoning-cases-linked-raw-oysters-spike-27-1-week?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3342825/hong-kong-food-poisoning-cases-linked-raw-oysters-spike-27-1-week?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Feb 2026 10:10:30 +0000 Lam Ka-sing Lam Ka-sing A one-year-old girl may have suffered food poisoning after consuming Nestlé infant milk formula, Hong Kong authorities have said, while revealing they have received about 50 reports of children feeling unwell amid a growing contamination scare. The Centre for Food Safety separately ordered the immediate removal of 390 cans of Aptamil Profutura DUO Advance 1 (800g) from shelves, as officials expanded a citywide recall to include a second batch of the milk powder imported from Germany. The Centre... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3342731/hong-kong-toddler-suspected-have-fallen-ill-tainted-milk-formula?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3342731/hong-kong-toddler-suspected-have-fallen-ill-tainted-milk-formula?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Feb 2026 16:25:08 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong’s food safety watchdog has recalled a batch of Aptamil powdered infant milk formula over fears it may be contaminated with a toxin found in similar products. The Centre for Food Safety said on Tuesday evening that a local retailer had sold “a small quantity” of a batch suspected to contain cereulide, prompting a precautionary recall. The affected product is Aptamil Profutura DUO Pre D 800g, with a use-by date of April 20, 2027. The watchdog said it had earlier learned that German... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3342336/hong-kong-recalls-aptamil-baby-milk-formula-batch-over-toxin-contamination-fears?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3342336/hong-kong-recalls-aptamil-baby-milk-formula-batch-over-toxin-contamination-fears?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Feb 2026 06:18:11 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok Hong Kong authorities have found traces of a toxin in another five samples of Nestlé baby milk formula, marking the second such discovery since batches of the firm’s products were withdrawn over contamination fears. The Centre for Food Safety said on Monday night that during its ongoing follow-up investigations, five samples among 22 batches recalled earlier tested positive for the toxin cereulide, produced by the Bacillus cereus bacterium. The toxin levels ranged from 0.2 to 1.3 micrograms per... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3342152/traces-toxin-found-more-nestle-baby-milk-formula-samples-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3342152/traces-toxin-found-more-nestle-baby-milk-formula-samples-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Feb 2026 16:02:04 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong authorities have discovered traces of a toxin in four batches of baby milk formula products previously recalled by Nestlé. In a statement issued on Saturday evening, the Centre for Food Safety said the Swiss food giant had recalled about 96,000 tins of affected products due to the possible presence of cereulide, a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus, found in the ingredients. The centre had issued a warning in early January when the Swiss food giant’s Hong Kong unit began recalling 21... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3341139/hong-kong-authorities-find-toxins-4-batches-milk-formula-recalled-nestle?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3341139/hong-kong-authorities-find-toxins-4-batches-milk-formula-recalled-nestle?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Jan 2026 03:49:46 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Nestlé Hong Kong has recalled another batch of baby milk formula over fears of potential bacterial contamination, while the latest government tests found no toxins in the brand’s products currently on sale locally. A spokeswoman for Nestlé Hong Kong said on Saturday that the company had added a batch of formula with a best-before date of June 16, 2027, to its recall list first released on Tuesday over cereulide, a toxin derived from the microorganism Bacillus cereus. “The batch only had a small... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3339458/nestle-hong-kong-recalls-another-baby-milk-formula-batch-test-samples-clear?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3339458/nestle-hong-kong-recalls-another-baby-milk-formula-batch-test-samples-clear?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Jan 2026 15:29:29 +0000 Fiona Sun,Emily Hung Fiona Sun,Emily Hung Hong Kong health authorities have received 14 reports of infants feeling unwell after consuming potentially contaminated Nestlé baby milk formula, but nearly all of the cases have been cleared of involving a toxin found in recalled products. The government earlier issued a warning after Nestlé recalled 21 batches of baby milk formula made in Europe due to the possible presence of cereulide produced by Bacillus cereus, a substance that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea if ingested. The Department... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3339162/were-really-panicked-hong-kong-parents-lose-faith-nestle-after-product-recall?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3339162/were-really-panicked-hong-kong-parents-lose-faith-nestle-after-product-recall?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Jan 2026 07:48:15 +0000 Fiona Sun Fiona Sun Nestlé Hong Kong has recalled 21 batches of baby milk formula products over potential contamination with a toxin that can cause food poisoning. The company revealed the precautionary recall on Tuesday, with the Centre for Food Safety urging parents to refrain from feeding their infants and young children the affected batches of powdered formula. The Post examines the recall, the risk associated with the cereulide toxin, and the recommended disposal steps for affected items. 1. Why did Nestlé... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3339067/nestle-hong-kongs-baby-formula-recall-what-parents-need-know-about-risks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3339067/nestle-hong-kongs-baby-formula-recall-what-parents-need-know-about-risks?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Jan 2026 11:13:14 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Nestle Hong Kong has recalled 21 batches of baby milk formula in the city amid a global scare over potential contamination with a toxin that can cause nausea and vomiting. The Centre for Food Safety said on Tuesday evening that the discovery was made after it followed up on a voluntary precautionary recall by Nestle of certain batches of infant formula in parts of Europe, as some raw materials might contain substances derived from the microorganism Bacillus cereus. “According to the latest... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3338968/nestle-hong-kong-recalls-21-batches-baby-milk-formula-over-toxin-fears?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3338968/nestle-hong-kong-recalls-21-batches-baby-milk-formula-over-toxin-fears?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:13:22 +0000 Brian Wong Brian Wong A Hong Kong health inspector has been sentenced to 120 hours of community service for stealing food samples bought with public money for radiation testing, with French veal stew and Arborio rice among the items seized from his home. West Kowloon Court on Thursday agreed not to jail Lau Shing-hin after the 36-year-old defendant pleaded guilty and testified against four others on trial, even though they were eventually acquitted. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) prosecuted five... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3326851/hong-kong-health-inspector-gets-120-hours-community-service-stealing-food-samples?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3326851/hong-kong-health-inspector-gets-120-hours-community-service-stealing-food-samples?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Sep 2025 09:33:50 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong authorities have ruled out the possibility of requiring labelling for pre-cooked meals at restaurants, citing the absence of uniform standards and varying interpretations of the product. Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan told lawmakers on Thursday that the government would continue to develop standards and certifications for prepared dishes to support the industry’s growth in the city. During the Legislative Council meeting, lawmaker Edmund Wong Chun-sek asked if the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3326803/hong-kong-rules-out-premade-restaurant-meal-labelling-despite-consumer-concern?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3326803/hong-kong-rules-out-premade-restaurant-meal-labelling-despite-consumer-concern?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Sep 2025 06:31:58 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok Hong Kong health authorities have issued a food safety alert and suspended imports of a Japanese ice cream product after discovering coliform bacteria levels well above legal limits. The black tea-flavoured ice cream, branded as Kochi Ice and imported by Shin Tai Ho (Hong Kong) Company, was found to contain 140 coliform bacteria per gram, above the regulated threshold of 100. The Centre for Food Safety disclosed the findings on Monday following routine testing at the import level under its Food... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3319896/hong-kong-suspends-imports-japanese-kochi-ice-cream-product-over-bacteria?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3319896/hong-kong-suspends-imports-japanese-kochi-ice-cream-product-over-bacteria?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 Jul 2025 15:38:42 +0000 Cannix Yau Cannix Yau Health authorities have urged Hongkongers to avoid consuming certain batches of a pre-packaged turkey bacon product originating from the US due to possible bacterial contamination, after luxury supermarket chain City’super sold one. The Centre for Food Safety on Thursday night also called on the catering industry and retailers to immediately stop using or selling the batches that might have been contaminated with listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The product, Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon, is... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3316919/hongkongers-warned-against-consuming-oscar-mayer-turkey-bacon-due-bacteria-concerns?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3316919/hongkongers-warned-against-consuming-oscar-mayer-turkey-bacon-due-bacteria-concerns?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Jul 2025 05:24:44 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong authorities have ordered a branch of Belgian luxury chocolatier Godiva to halt the sale of its dark chocolate soft ice cream after a sample was found to contain a bacterial count 46 times above the legal limit. The Centre for Food Safety said on Thursday that the sample collected from the shop at Cityplaza in Tai Koo had 2.3 million bacteria per gram – 46 times higher than the legal limit of 50,000. “The centre has informed the vendor involved of the irregularity and instructed it to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3316017/hong-kong-orders-godiva-halt-dark-chocolate-ice-cream-sales-over-high-bacteria-count?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3316017/hong-kong-orders-godiva-halt-dark-chocolate-ice-cream-sales-over-high-bacteria-count?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Jun 2025 01:42:44 +0000