The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) in Hong Kong has issued an urgent public health warning and recall targeting a specific batch of imported pistachio paste after laboratory tests detected excessive levels of aflatoxins, potent carcinogenic compounds. Consumers are strongly advised to immediately cease consumption of the affected product, Convivia Pure Pistachio Paste Deluxe 100%, which originated in Italy and was distributed locally via online platforms, including HKTVmall.
The alert stems from the CFS’s routine Food Surveillance Programme. A sample of the 200-gram paste, bearing a best-before date of February 17, 2027, was found to contain 15 micrograms of aflatoxin per kilogram. This measurement significantly exceeds the maximum permitted regulatory standard of 10 micrograms per kilogram mandated under Hong Kong’s Harmful Substances in Food Regulations (Cap 132AF).
Aflatoxins, naturally occurring toxins produced by certain fungi, are classified by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer as carcinogenic to humans. Exposure to these toxins, especially prolonged ingestion, is strongly linked to severe health risks, most notably liver cancer. Vulnerability is heightened among individuals who are also carriers of the Hepatitis B virus.
Following the discovery, the CFS immediately instructed the relevant local vendor and retailers, including the online platform’s supplier, UK Store, to halt all sales and remove the contaminated batch from circulation. A directed recall process is now underway, and affected businesses have complied. The CFS has urged any member of the public who purchased this specific product to discard it immediately. Consumers seeking information regarding the recall process may contact the recall hotline at 3145 6888 during office hours.
While health organizations like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives emphasize that there is no established safe level for aflatoxin exposure, they recommend keeping intake “as low as reasonably achievable.” This incident underscores the critical importance of vigilant food safety monitoring for imported products.
Minimizing Mycotoxin Risk
Pistachio products, along with peanuts and certain grains, are sometimes susceptible to aflatoxin contamination if storage or handling conditions are inadequate. To minimize general exposure to mycotoxins in their diet, consumers are encouraged to take proactive steps:
- Maintain Dietary Diversity: A balanced and varied diet minimizes overexposure from a single potentially contaminated source.
- Inspect Food Carefully: Avoid consuming any foods, particularly nuts, grains, or dried fruits, that show visible signs of mold, discoloration, or damage.
- Keep Food Dry: Ensure stored perishable items are kept in dry conditions to inhibit fungal growth.
The CFS has proactively notified the wider food trade about this incident and is conducting ongoing investigations to ensure the complete withdrawal of the implicated product and prevent further health risks. This swift regulatory action reinforces Hong Kong’s commitment to protecting public health through strict adherence to food safety standards.