Health authorities in Hong Kong have issued an urgent recall of a locally produced durian-flavored ice cream after routine tests revealed bacterial contamination exceeding legal safety limits.
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) announced that Alchemia brand Durian Gelato, produced by Pay & Pay Ice Cream International Company Limited and distributed by Kai’s Gourmet Limited, contained 110 coliform bacteria per gram—well above the legal threshold of 100 per gram under Hong Kong’s Frozen Confections Regulation.
The contaminated product was packaged in 70-milliliter containers with a best-before date of April 13, 2026. It was discovered during routine surveillance at a food stall on Lantau Island.
“This level of contamination suggests unacceptable hygiene conditions during production or handling,” the CFS stated in its public notice. In response, officials ordered an immediate recall of the product, instructed retailers to pull it from shelves, and initiated further inspections of the manufacturing facility.
Inspectors have already visited the plant to collect additional samples, educate staff on proper food safety standards, and oversee a full-scale cleaning and disinfection of the premises. The company now faces potential penalties under food safety laws, including fines of up to HK$10,000 and imprisonment for up to three months.
While elevated coliform levels do not always result in foodborne illness, the CFS advises consumers who have eaten the product and feel unwell to seek medical attention.
The recall comes amid growing scrutiny of food hygiene in Asia’s booming frozen dessert market. With ice cream franchise costs and production regulations varying widely across regions, this case underscores the importance of consistent safety oversight in both small-batch and latest ice cream franchise operations.
CFS officials say the investigation remains ongoing. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available, including whether additional products are affected.
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