The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) has ordered a food factory in Kwun Tong to stop sales and dispose of its products after a sample of its “fresh pork and pickled mustard bun” was found to contain excessive levels of Bacillus cereus, a bacteria linked to food poisoning. The announcement, made on October 14, 2026, follows a routine sampling inspection that revealed bacterial counts 1.5 times above the legal safety threshold.
Excessive Bacterial Count Found in Sampled Bun
The CFS reported that the sample was collected from a food manufacturing premises located at Wing Fai Building, Shui Wo Street, Kwun Tong. Laboratory analysis found the bun to contain 250,000 Bacillus cereus cells per gram. According to the Hygienic Guideline for Ready-to-eat Food, a count exceeding 100,000 per gram is deemed unsatisfactory, making the sample 1.5 times over the acceptable limit.
Upon confirming the violation, the CFS immediately dispatched officers to the site for an inspection. The factory operator was informed of the laboratory results and instructed to halt sales and discard the affected products. In addition, the CFS provided food safety and hygiene education to the staff and required the premises to undergo a thorough cleaning and disinfection procedure.
Understanding Bacillus cereus and Its Health Risks
Bacillus cereus is a spore-forming bacterium commonly found in the environment and in a variety of raw ingredients, including vegetables and herbs. It thrives at temperatures between 30 and 37 degrees Celsius but stops growing below 4 degrees Celsius. Health experts warn that poor hygiene during food preparation or improper storage temperatures can allow the bacteria to multiply rapidly and produce heat-resistant toxins.
Consuming contaminated food can lead to gastrointestinal distress. Common symptoms include vomiting and watery diarrhoea accompanied by abdominal pain. The onset of illness typically occurs within a few hours of eating the affected food. Vomiting-type illness is often associated with rice dishes and other starchy foods, while diarrhoea-type illness is more commonly linked to meat, dairy, vegetables, and fish.
A critical point highlighted by the CFS is that reheating contaminated food does not eliminate the toxins once they have formed. The agency advises the public to discard any food that appears spoiled or has been stored improperly, rather than attempting to salvage it by cooking.
Public Advisory and Next Steps
This incident serves as a reminder for consumers who regularly purchase dim sum or steamed buns from takeaways to remain vigilant about food safety. The CFS urges the public to pay attention to food storage conditions and to avoid consuming items that have been left at room temperature for extended periods. Businesses are similarly reminded to adhere to strict hygiene protocols to prevent bacterial growth.
The CFS stated that it will continue to monitor the situation and may conduct follow-up sampling to ensure compliance. While no illnesses linked to this specific batch have been reported so far, the authority advises anyone who experiences symptoms after consuming such products to seek medical attention promptly.