CFS urges public not to consume two kinds of sesame oil from Italy with possible presence of ethylene oxide

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (December 10) urged the public not to consume two kinds of sesame oil imported from Italy because the products concerned were found with a possible carcinogenic substance, ethylene oxide. The trade should stop using or selling the products concerned immediately if they possess them.

Details of the products are as follows:

 Product name: Organic sesame oil
 Brand: Clearspring
 Place of origin: Italy
 Net weight: 500ml per bottle
 Importer: Awesome Foods Limited
 Best-before date: October 6, 2021

 Product name: Organic toasted sesame oil
 Brand: Clearspring
 Place of origin: Italy
 Net weight: 500ml per bottle
 Importer: Awesome Foods Limited
 Best-before date: October 9, 2021

A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS received a notification from the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) of the European Commission that the above-mentioned products were found with a possible carcinogenic substance, ethylene oxide, and are being recalled. According to the information provided by the RASFF, the affected products have been imported into Hong Kong. Upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately contacted the local importer concerned for follow-up."

A preliminary investigation found that importer Awesome Foods Limited had imported some of the affected products into Hong Kong. The importer has removed them from shelves, stopped the sale of the affected products according to the CFS' instructions and has initiated a recall. Enquiries about the recall can be made to the hotline at 3956 9759 during office hours.

The spokesman urged consumers not to consume the affected products if they have bought any. The trade should also stop using or selling the products concerned immediately if they possess them.

The CFS will alert the trade to the incident, continue to follow up and take appropriate action. An investigation is ongoing.
 
Ends/Thursday, December 10, 2020