CFS Finds Salmonella in Vegan Box

2024-08-08 20:29 Last Updated At：08-09 08:44

CFS finds Salmonella in sample of prepackaged salad

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (August 8) that a sample of prepackaged roasted portobello mushroom and sweet potato vegan box was found to contain a pathogen, Salmonella. The CFS is following up on the case.

"The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample from a retail outlet in Mong Kok for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed the presence of Salmonella in 25 grams of the sample, exceeding the criterion of the Microbiological Guidelines for Food which states that Salmonella should not be detected in 25g of a ready-to-eat food sample," a spokesman for the CFS said.

The CFS has informed the vendor and food factory concerned of the above irregularity and instructed them to stop selling the food item concerned immediately. The CFS has also inspected the food premises and the food factory concerned, provided health education on food safety and hygiene to the person-in-charge and staff, and requested the food factory to review and improve its food production process and carry out a thorough cleaning and disinfection.

According to section 54 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132), all food available for sale in Hong Kong, locally produced or imported, should be fit for human consumption. An offender is subject to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction.

"Salmonella infection may cause fever and gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. The effects on infants, young children, the elderly and people with a weak immune system could be more severe and may even lead to death," the spokesman said.

The CFS will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action to safeguard food safety and public health. An investigation is ongoing.

Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2025 Opens with More Than Joy Theme and Diverse Programs.

2025-04-04 19:05 Last Updated At：19:18

Third Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival opens today

The opening ceremony of the third Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival (PCF) was held today (April 4) at the Grand Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC). Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the PCF this year is themed "More Than Joy". Audiences can appreciate how pop culture can be transmitted and transformed, and how integration and breakthroughs are possible in addition to joy and laughter.

The Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan; and an actor of the opening film "The Banquet" (1991), Mr Eric Tsang, officiated at the opening ceremony.

The opening programme, "Silhouette Resonance x The Banquet (1991)", began after the ceremony. Pop singer Alfred Hui, a cappella choral theatre company Yat Po Singers, and beatboxer Heartgrey (Eric So) together with a live band performed songs from classic comedy films with fresh arrangements by renowned musician Ng Cheuk-yin. The digitally restored version of "The Banquet" (1991) was screened following the performance. Blending entertainment with cultural artistry, the audience was offered a fresh and inspiring perspective on the vibrancy of Hong Kong's pop culture.

Another highlight programme that kicks off the PCF is outdoor music carnival "ImagineLand 2025" to be held tomorrow (April 5) and on Sunday (April 6) at the HKCC Piazza, and the Central Lawn & Event Trellis of Salisbury Garden, the Avenue of Stars free of charge. Supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, "ImagineLand 2025" features both daytime and evening programmes, encompassing music, films, comics, and more.

During "ImagineLand 2025", "Go Beyond Concert", "Comics Fun Experience Gallery" and "Funarts Corner" will be available during the day, while film programme "Movie Under the Stars" will be held at night. Over 35 musicians and artists from Hong Kong and eight countries and regions including the Mainland, Japan, Korea, the United States, Australia, France, the United Kingdom and Ukraine will perform on the three stages of "Go Beyond Concert", showcasing boundless possibilities of music across the performances. Major line-ups of local artists include Ivana Wong, Joey Tang, Yatfung, Cloud, Ashley Lin, Pandora, Wan Pin Chu and more, performing mesmerising popular songs and original works.

At "Comics Fun Experience Gallery", Hong Kong comics and animation from different eras will be displayed to highlight the creativity of local artists with immersive photo-taking opportunities. The exhibition also features the works of local humourist cartoonists and explores how comics intertwine with the city's pop culture. Workshops on art, music, and crafts will be available for the public at "Funarts Corner". In the evenings, two comedies, "Table For Six" (2022) and "Forbidden City Cop" (1996)", will be screened at "Movie Under the Stars" tomorrow and on Sunday respectively, allowing audiences to enjoy outdoor films while relaxing on the lawn.

Other highlights include the "Laughter Double Bill: Hong Kong Comedy Film Spectacular" film screening programme; exhibitions "Comic Fun for All: The Magic of Hong Kong Comedy Comics" and "Legends of HK Film Comedies, 1980s and 1990s"; concerts "The 2025 Fiesta of Music Office Bands, Choirs and Orchestras-Bands 'The Animated Melodies - Our Nostalgic Memories'", "Ko Shan Fest" and "Music & Laughs", and more. To support the PCF's theme of "More Than Joy", the Hong Kong Public Libraries will also organise book displays and subject talks in a series of activities under the theme of "Happy Reading".

Several industry partners are also offering a range of events as part of the festival, which are not to be missed.

Hong Kong's pop culture has drawn inspiration particularly from humour, a constant trendsetter that has left a deep footprint on many aspects of the city's rich and colourful pop cultural landscape. The PCF 2025, with more than 20 programmes, not only delights audiences with exciting performances and works but also offers insight into the development paths of Hong Kong's pop culture along the line of "happiness". By participating in these activities, audiences will be able to discover their own happiness.

For more details, please visit the website: www.pcf.gov.hk, or call 2601 8703.