Lang
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) in Hong Kong, part of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, issued an advisory on August 12, 2026, urging consumers to refrain from consuming two specific varieties of Olitalia Pomace Olive Oil. This alert stems from concerns regarding potential contamination with mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH).
This notification follows an alert from the Belgian Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain, which reported the detection of mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons in the products at levels exceeding permitted standards. As a precautionary measure, the CFS has advised the public to avoid these products, irrespective of their batch number, and instructed trade operators to immediately cease the use or sale of any affected stock.
The products in question are Olitalia Pomace Olive Oil, available in one-litre and five-litre bottles. These products are distributed by Lorence & Company Limited and packaged in Italy. Both varieties have already been subjected to a recall in Belgium, and the local distributor in Hong Kong has also taken action by suspending sales, removing affected items from shelves, and initiating a voluntary recall. Consumers seeking further information regarding the recall can contact the distributor's hotline at 2293 9398 during office hours.
Under Hong Kong's Mineral Oil in Food Regulations, it is an offense to sell food containing mineral oil beyond specified limits, unless its use is as a lubricant or greasing agent and does not exceed 0.2 percent by weight. The CFS has conducted over 3,000 tests on edible oil samples between 2023 and July 2026 as part of its ongoing surveillance program. Prior to this incident, only one unsatisfactory sample had been reported, attributed to a metallic contaminant. All other samples, excluding the current case, were deemed satisfactory.
Confirming its proactive stance, the CFS has engaged with the Belgian authorities on this matter and stated its commitment to continuously monitor developments and undertake any further necessary actions to safeguard food safety and public health.
Source: Dimsum Daily