Fears eased on chicken drinks

[amg]

Chicken essence products manufactured by Brand's and sold in Hong Kong do not come from the same batches as those being recalled in the United States, the Center for Food Safety said yesterday.

And US authorities recalled the products "because they do not meet poultry products inspection or poultry exemption requirements," the center said, noting it was a Class II recall with a "remote probability" of problems.

Undersecretary for Food and Health Gabriel Leung said it was up to retailers to decide whether to take the products off shelves.

Products being recalled in the United States are packs of six 2.3 fluid ounce bottles of Brand's Essence of Chicken Drink, Brand's Essence of Chicken Drink with cordyceps extract, Brand's Essence of Chicken Drink with four herbs, Brand's Essence of Chicken Drink with lingzhi and Brand's Essence of Chicken Drink with ginseng.

Manufacturer Cerebos, underlining the American action was a low-risk level recall and limited to the United States, assured consumers that its products are safe for consumption.

Monday, March 16, 2009
PATSY MOY