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LCQ17: FEHD tests heavy metal levels of tea leaves

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Following is a question by Dr. Hon. David Chu and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment and Food, Mrs Lily Yam, in the Legislative Council meeting today(January 9):

Question

It has been reported that in the middle of last year the authorities in Shanghai conducted laboratory tests on samples drawn from 53 tea leaves products distributed by 36 enterprises and found that 18 samples contained a lead content exceeding the national standard. As Hong Kong imports tea leaves from the Mainland, will the Government inform this Council whether the department(s) concerned regularly conducts laboratory sample tests on heavy metal content of tea leaves sold in Hong Kong; if so, of the number of samples tested last year and the test results; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply

In its food surveillance programme, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) takes tea leaf samples at the importing, wholesaling and retailing stages for the purpose of testing their heavy metal levels. In 2000 and 2001, the Department had taken 42 tea leaf samples for testing. The test results of 35 samples were satisfactory. One sample taken from tea leaves imported from the Mainland in 2000 had a lead level exceeding the maximum allowable level stipulated in the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations (Cap. 132 sub. leg.). Upon knowing the test results, FEHD had taken immediate follow-up actions. These included notifying the Mainland authorities, issuing a warning letter to the relevant trader, and strengthening surveillance of the relevant trader and similar products in the market. The test results of the remaining six samples that were taken near the end of 2001 are not yet available. FEHD will continue to take tea leaf samples for testing to protect public health.

Wednesday January 9, 2002