Hong Kong – Not to consume a batch of bottled apple juice drink contaminated with patulin

Brand: Presha Fruit

Country of origin: Australia

Importer/Distributor: A.S. Watson Group (HK) Ltd.

Volume: 350ml per bottle

Best-before date: August 7, 2020

• The test result showed that a sample collected from a supermarket in To Kwa Wan contained patulin at a level of 110 parts per billion (ppb), exceeding the action level of 50 ppb adopted by the CFS. The action level is the same as the standard of the Codex Alimentarius Commission on patulin in apple or apple juice.
• Patulin mostly occurs in rotten apple and its products. Animal studies showed that ingesting high doses of patulin can induce liver, spleen and kidney damage, as well as toxicity to the immune system. For humans, nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances and vomiting have been reported.

• The CFS has informed the importer, PARKnSHOP (HK) Limited and distributor concerned of the irregularity. The importer and distributor have stopped sale and removed from shelves all batches of the affected product and initiated a recall of the affected batch of the product according to the CFS’ instruction.
• The CFS will alert the trade, continue to follow up on the case and take appropriate action to safeguard food safety and public health. Investigation is ongoing.

Members of the public may call the distributor’s hotline at 2606 8658 for enquiries about the recall during office hours.