Hong Kong authorities urged residents not to consume a batch of Toblerone chocolates due to potential plastic contamination. According to a spokesperson for the center, the manufacturer's Hong Kong agent alerted them that the product was being voluntarily recalled.
Contaminated Chocolate
Hong Kong's Centre for Food Safety (CFS) warned that the product "Milk Chocolate with Honey and Almond Nougat" bars (100 g) imported from Switzerland may contain "plastic foreign matter," and the public and businesses should not consume or sell them.
The batch was distributed locally by Integrated Market Services Asia, with a best-before date of December 1, 2024, and batch number OOY4233553.
The importer and distributor also informed the authority that a recall had been launched and that the possible contaminated batch had already been withdrawn from the shelves.
"According to the information it provided, the importer and distributor concerned have already stopped sales, removed from shelves the affected batch of the product, and voluntarily initiated a recall," said the center in a statement.
It also added that the investigation is ongoing
Just a few days ago, Hong Kong's food safety watchdog warned the public against consuming three Quaker oatmeal products imported from the United States due to suspected salmonella contamination.
PepsiCo Beverages (HK) imported three versions of Quaker Oatmeal Squares in 14.5-ounce packages (honey nut, cinnamon, and original flavor).
The notice came six days after US regulators issued a similar alert about salmonella in these items. Consumers were advised to avoid commodities with expiration dates between January 11 and October 1, 2024.
Meanwhile, in Taiwan, the detection of pollutants has caused retailers in the country to seek clarity and guidance about the safety of Toblerone chocolates on their shelves.
Read Also : Contamination and Toxins Among Pitfalls of Recycled, Reused Plastic for Food as Reviewed in Unique Study
Plastic On Food
A recent study conducted by the Ocean Conservancy and the University of Toronto found alarming evidence of microplastic contamination in the great majority of protein sources, including those other than seafood.
The study demonstrates a concerning infiltration of plastic particles into our daily meals. Experts estimate that American adults consume up to 3.8 million microplastics per year from protein alone.
The researchers examined 16 different protein forms, ranging from animals such as beef and poultry to plant-based alternatives.
What is especially troubling is that microplastic contamination was consistent across all protein sources. The results revealed that 88% of the samples contained microplastic particles.
The study also suggests that nearly half of the microplastics detected were fibers, which is consistent with earlier studies indicating that fibers are the most common type of microplastic in the environment. Fragments accounted for nearly 30% of the microplastics.
Based on survey data from a separate study by the Ocean Conservancy and the University of Toronto, scientists estimate that the average American adult consumes approximately 11,500 microplastics per year.
According to the researchers, annual exposure to microplastics might be as high as 3.8 million if the maximum levels of microplastics observed in each individual protein type are combined with the average reported protein consumption rates.
"Our work is a call to action to reduce plastic pollution in its many forms to ensure a safe and healthy food supply for all consumers," said study co-author Dr. George Leonard, chief scientist at Ocean Conservancy.
Related Article : Edible Food Wrapper Made from Milk the Answer to Plastic Pollution?
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