Hong Kong – Food Alert Not to consume a batch of bottled fruit juice drink contaminated with patulin

Country of origin: New Zealand

Manufacturer: The Homegrown Juice Company

Importer: The Dairy Farm Company Limited

Volume : 1 litre per bottle

Best-before date: June 21, 2020

• The test result showed that the sample contained patulin at a level of 150 parts per billion (ppb), exceeding the action level of 50ppb adopted by the CFS.
• Patulin mostly occurs in rotten apple and its products. Generally speaking, apple juice with a low level of patulin will not cause acute intoxification. However, studies have shown that gastrointestinal hyperaemia, distension, haemorrhage and ulceration could be resulted if animals are exposed to high levels of patulin over a short period of time.

• The CFS has informed the importer concerned of the irregularity, and the importer has stopped sale and removed from shelves the affected batch of the product and initiated a recall according to the CFS’ instructions.
• Prosecution will be instituted should there be sufficient evidence.

• Stop using or selling the affected products immediately if they possess them.

• Not to consume the affected products.

Members of the public may call the company’s hotline at 2299 1133 for enquiries about the recall during office