Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety (CFS) announced on Monday that a sample of imported swordfish sashimi was found to contain methylmercury, a metallic contaminant, at a level exceeding the legal limit.
The CFS said the sample, collected from an online shop called Oi-Shi-Sushi as part of its routine Food Surveillance Programme, contained methylmercury at 1.4 parts per million (ppm), surpassing the legal limit of 0.5 ppm.
A CFS spokesman stated that the vendor has been informed of the irregularity and instructed to halt sales and remove the affected product from shelves. Authorities are now working to trace the source and distribution of the tainted swordfish.
Methylmercury is the predominant form of mercury found in fish and can have adverse neurological effects, especially on fetal brain development as well as vision, hearing, muscle coordination and memory in adults, the spokesman warned.
“Groups particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of mercury, such as pregnant women, women planning a pregnancy and young children, should opt for smaller fish and avoid consumption of larger, predatory fish species like tuna, swordfish and shark to minimize excessive exposure to metal contaminants,” the spokesman added.
Consumers are advised not to eat the recalled swordfish sashimi product. The CFS is continuing to investigate the incident.
According to the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations (Cap. 132V), any person who sells food with metallic contamination above the legal limit is liable upon conviction to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
