Urgent Recall: Hong Kong’s Ice Cream Linked to Bacterial Contamination – What You Need to Know!

Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety (CFS) has issued a warning about durian-flavored ice cream that may pose health risks. The ice cream has been found to have bacteria levels higher than legally allowed. They urge everyone to stop consuming this product right away and have instructed stores to take it off their shelves.

The product in question is Alchemia brand Durian Gelato, made by Pay & Pay Ice Cream International Company Limited and sold by Kai’s Gourmet Limited. The 70-milliliter containers are marked with a best-before date of April 13, 2026, and came from local factories.

Recent tests showed that the ice cream contains 110 coliform bacteria per gram. This exceeds the legal limit of 100 coliforms set by Hong Kong’s Frozen Confections Regulation, highlighting potential hygiene issues during its production.

The contamination was discovered during routine testing conducted at a food stall on Lantau Island. Upon finding the bacteria, health officials moved quickly to halt sales and enforce necessary actions. They have inspected the production site and collected more samples for testing. Those working there are now receiving mandatory training in food safety and hygiene practices, and the facility is required to undergo thorough cleaning and disinfection.

This contamination breaches Hong Kong’s food safety laws, which can result in hefty fines of up to $10,000 and even jail time for those convicted. Health authorities are officially recalling the product and considering legal action as necessary. The distributor is required to help with the recall and ensure all stock is removed from shelves.

It’s important to note that while the bacteria count is high, it doesn’t guarantee immediate illness from consumption. However, health officials advise anyone who’s eaten this ice cream and feels unwell to seek medical help right away.

The CFS is actively investigating how this contamination occurred and is overseeing the effectiveness of the recall. They are working closely with businesses to ensure that all affected ice cream is removed from the market, preventing anything like this from happening again. Updates on the investigation and any further issues will be shared with the public as they become available.

In a recent survey, nearly 30% of consumers reported feeling anxious about food safety in Hong Kong, highlighting growing concerns around food hygiene. Experts emphasize the importance of strict adherence to food safety regulations to safeguard public health and maintain consumer trust.

For more details about food safety guidelines in Hong Kong, you can visit the [Centre for Food Safety](https://www.cfs.gov.hk/). Staying informed helps us make safer choices every day.

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