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| These masks found with high bacterial content are being sold online as well |
Customs authorities have advised the public to stop using
four brands of surgical masks found to carry high levels of bacteria.
Listed in the warning published on Friday, Apr 17 are the
masks labeled Atos, Masker Bedah Karet, Q-Frezz and AdPro.
On Mar 20, four other mask brands were also identified as
having bacterial count that exceeded the maximum permitted limit. They were:
Bre-easy, Softy Hygiene, Khatraco, and Lastik Halkali.
All the named brands of surgical masks are packed in boxes
of 50 pieces each, and are sold for between $150 and $280. All the samples
tested had no indication as to where they were manufactured.
Some of the brands have been advertised in online shopping
groups on Facebook where many of the members are Filipinos.
Also warned were pharmacies or traders found selling the
unsanitary and potentially hazardous face masks.
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A press release from Customs said the four brands recently
tested had exceeded the maximum permitted limit of bacterial count by 0.2 to 1.35
times, in violation of the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance (CGSO).
The first batch was found to have a bacterial load of between 0.4 to 11.5 times the permitted
limit.
Following the release of the test results, Customs officers
conducted a search of four shops located in Causeway Bay
Four people – three men and a woman – were arrested, aged between
34 and 54. They are still detained for investigation.
A further investigation was carried out in various retail
shops in several districts but no more masks bearing the indicated labels were
found.
However, Customs is still investigating the source of the
dubious masks, and has not ruled out further arrests.
In addition, the four kinds of surgical masks will undergo further testing to establish the types of bacteria in them.
In addition, the four kinds of surgical masks will undergo further testing to establish the types of bacteria in them.
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| Customs says those found selling these masks will be prosecuted |
The inspection of surgical masks being sold to the public is part of a
large-scale, territory-wide special operation codenamed “Guardian” which
Customs launched on Jan 27 as the Covid-19 epidemic began to spread.
To date, Customs says it has already tested a total of 111
samples for bacterial count, and 103 of them were found to be up to standard.
Customs advises the public to observe the following tips when purchasing and using surgical masks:
Customs advises the public to observe the following tips when purchasing and using surgical masks:
* Read carefully the instructions on the packages in the
purchasing process;
* Check if there is any damage or dirt on the packages and
stop using surgical masks with stains or odd smells;
* Pay attention to the proper way of using surgical masks;
* Change surgical masks at a suitable time;
* Store surgical masks in dry places; and
* Purchase only at reputable retail shops.
