 of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department issued a caution today, urging the public to refrain from consuming a specific brand of durian-flavoured ice cream.){kind=link}
2nd June 2025 – (Hong Kong) The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department issued a caution today, urging the public to refrain from consuming a specific brand of durian-flavoured ice cream. The ice cream has been identified to contain coliform bacteria, surpassing the permissible limit. The trade sector has been instructed to halt the use and sale of the affected batches immediately.
Detailed information regarding the product is as follows:
- Product Name: Durian Gelato
- Brand: Alchemia
- Place of Origin: Hong Kong
- Net Volume: 70 ml
- Best-before Date: 13th April, 2026
- Manufacturer: Pay & Pay Ice Cream International Company Limited
- Distributor: Kai’s Gourmet Limited
A spokesperson for the CFS stated, “Upon routine testing under the Food Surveillance Programme, a sample was collected from a food stall at an expo on Lantau. The examination revealed an excessive count of 110 coliform bacteria per gram, surpassing the permitted limit.”
According to the Frozen Confections Regulation (Cap 132 AC), frozen confections for retail should not exceed 100 coliform bacteria per gram. Violators could face a fine of $10,000 and a three-month prison term upon conviction. Although the elevated coliform count signifies inadequate hygiene standards, it does not necessarily indicate an immediate risk of foodborne illness.
“The distributor has been notified of the irregularity and instructed to cease sales promptly. CFS personnel have initiated an investigation at the relevant frozen confection facility, collecting samples for further analysis. Educational sessions on food safety and hygiene have been provided to the staff, who have been tasked with thorough sanitation and disinfection of the premises. Legal action will be taken if substantial evidence is found,” the spokesperson added.
As a precautionary measure, the CFS has directed the distributor to halt sales and withdraw the affected products from shelves, initiating a recall process. For inquiries related to the recall, individuals can contact the distributor via the hotline at 3483 0098.
The spokesman advised consumers to refrain from consuming the implicated ice cream and seek medical attention if any adverse symptoms manifest post-consumption.