October 11, 1997
The Department of Health (DH) found two other samples of ice cream bars of the Dreyer's brand containing Listeria monocytogenes in its latest round of bacteriological tests conducted on ice cream products on sale in Hong Kong.
The two contaminated samples belonged to Dreyer's Vanilla & Almond Ice Cream Bar (88.7 mL) (Batch No. 072025480925) (Expiry date: 30-6-1999).
On 11.10.97, a spokesman for DH said that a total of 55 samples on the full range of Dreyer's ice cream products and 16 samples on ice cream products of other brands had been tested since Listeria monocytogenes were found in two samples of Dreyer's Cookies 'N Cream Ice Cream Bar last week.
Results showed that except for these two samples of Dreyer's Vanilla & Almond Ice Cream Bar, all other samples tested were negative for Listeria monocytogenes.
The spokesman said:" Listeria monocytogenes is a kind of bacteria that may be present in the environment. It is more commonly associated with food such as soft cheese and ready-to-eat food. The bacteria usually will not cause illness in most people.
"People infected with the bacteria may present with fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. In more severe cases, it can cause infection of the brain and meningitis. The disease can also cause abortions in pregnant women.
"No reports of any persons being affected by Listeria monocytogenes have been received so far."
The spokesman said that Dreyer's manufacturer had already suspended production at its plant in Dallas, Texas, where all its ice cream bars imported to Hong Kong were produced. The importer had also recalled all its ice cream bars on sale in Hong Kong.
There was no evidence to indicate that other Dreyer's products produced at other locations in the United states were affected, he added.
The spokesman said the Department of Health appreciated that the manufacturer and importer had taken prompt and responsible actions in facilitating the investigation and to voluntarily recall all related ice cream bars.
He said that the importer would be required to submit a full investigation report of the incident and to provide assurance of a quality control improvement system in the plant to DH's satisfaction before its ice cream bars would be allowed to be imported to Hong Kong again.
The Department of Health would, for a period, hold and test for Listeria monocytogenes of each and every future consignment of Dreyer's ice cream bars before they were released for sale.
Public who may have purchased Dreyer's ice cream bars, are advised to return them for refund or replacement according to arrangements made by the company.