Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety (CFS) has issued a dramatic recall alert after routine surveillance detected a banned veterinary drug in a batch of frozen shrimp. The contaminated product, found at a fresh food retailer in North Point, contains metabolites of Furazolidone—a nitrofuran antibiotic classified as both genotoxic and carcinogenic. Authorities have ordered an immediate stop-sale, a full market recall, and are urging consumers to check their freezers.
The Risk: What Is Furazolidone?
Furazolidone belongs to the nitrofuran family of broad-spectrum antibiotics, historically misused in aquaculture to control bacterial infections. While effective in fish farms, this drug leaves behind toxic metabolites that the human body cannot easily break down. In toxicology, nitrofurans are classified as genotoxic, meaning their residues can bind to cellular DNA and trigger mutations. Long-term exposure through food has been linked to increased risks of cancer and tumour formation.
Because of these severe health hazards, Hong Kong, mainland China, the European Union, and numerous other jurisdictions have imposed a strict zero-tolerance ban on nitrofuran residues in food-producing animals. The current detection of 6.1 parts per billion (ppb) is a direct violation of this policy.
Affected Product: Immediate Steps for Consumers
The CFS has confirmed that the affected product is “去腸白蝦仁” (Gutted White Shrimp), imported from mainland China and distributed locally by 隆順環球海產貿易有限公司 (Long Shun Global Seafood Trading Co., Ltd.).
Product Details to Look For:
- Product Name: 去腸白蝦仁 (Gutted White Shrimp)
- Origin: China
- Distributor: 隆順環球海產貿易有限公司
- Net Weight: 200 grams
- Best Before Date: January 22, 2028
Anyone who has purchased this specific batch is advised to stop eating it immediately. The distributor has set up a dedicated hotline for consumer inquiries and returns. Affected individuals can call 2573 7433 during office hours to arrange a recall or seek further guidance.
Expert Advice: How to Minimise Risk When Buying Frozen Seafood
In light of this alert, food safety experts recommend adopting the following habits to protect your household:
- Choose Trusted Retailers: Always buy frozen seafood from reputable supermarkets or well-established grocers with proper refrigeration. Avoid loose, unpackaged items that lack origin labels, import details, or expiry dates.
- Scrutinise Appearance and Smell: High-quality raw shrimp should have a natural, semi-translucent pinkish hue. Steer clear of products that look unnaturally white, exhibit an unusually bright colour, or emit a sharp chemical or ammonia-like odour. Any slimy texture is also a red flag.
- Cook with Caution: While high-temperature cooking cannot fully destroy internalised chemical residues like nitrofurans, thoroughly rinsing the shrimp under cold running water and cooking it completely is essential hygiene practice. It significantly lowers the risk of bacterial food poisoning, even if the chemical threat remains.
The Bigger Picture
This incident highlights the crucial role of the CFS’s ongoing food surveillance programme. Without these random checks, such a hazardous substance could go undetected, reaching dinner tables across the city. The case also serves as a sobering reminder for importers and distributors about the importance of stringent supply-chain audits. For Hong Kong consumers, vigilance remains the best defence. Stay updated on official food alerts via the CFS website, and never hesitate to act on a product recall. Safety begins with awareness.