Editor's Note
This editor’s note highlights the key facts and market implications behind “Imported Tuna Found to Contain Banned Malachite “, with emphasis on sourcing, product fit, fabrication, logistics, or buyer impact.
Tuna lovers, take note! The Food Safety Center of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced that a sample of imported tuna has tested positive for the banned veterinary drug malachite green. This industrial dye has been shown in animal experiments to cause liver tumors and thyroid cancer. The center is now urgently tracing the source and distribution of the product to ensure public food safety.
Imported Tuna Found with Banned Malachite Green
According to the latest routine food monitoring results from the Food Safety Center, enforcement officers detected the presence of a chemical substance that should not exist in a tuna sample taken at the import level. The sample was found to contain malachite green at a level of 1.4 parts per billion (ppb). The center has immediately informed the importer involved of the violation. It is now fully tracing the source of the batch and its distribution within Hong Kong. A spokesperson emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that prosecution will be initiated if evidence of violations is found.
How Toxic is Malachite Green? Animal Experiments: May Cause Thyroid Cancer
Malachite green is a synthetic industrial dye used for coloring silk, paper, or cotton cloth. Because it is effective at killing parasites and fungi, the aquaculture industry once used it as a "miracle drug" to treat fish diseases. Although there is currently insufficient evidence to confirm its carcinogenicity in humans, multiple animal experiments have raised alarm bells. Studies have found that it causes thyroid follicular adenomas and carcinomas in rats. Its metabolite, leucomalachite green, can remain in fish tissue and cause liver tumors in mice. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified its metabolite leucomalachite green as a Group 2B carcinogen (possibly carcinogenic to humans).
Fully Banned in Hong Kong; Violators Face 6 Months in Prison
Due to the potential health risks of malachite green, many countries and regions, including the United States, the European Union, Mainland China, and Hong Kong, have banned its use in food fish. According to Hong Kong's Harmful Substances in Food Regulations (Cap. 132AF), all food sold in Hong Kong is absolutely prohibited from containing malachite green. Any person who imports or sells food containing malachite green commits an offense. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty is a fine of HKD 50,000 and imprisonment for 6 months. Source: Food and Environmental Hygiene Department / Food Safety Center
FAQ
What banned substance was found in the imported tuna sample? An imported tuna sample was found to contain the banned veterinary drug malachite green at a level of 1.4 ppb. The Food Safety Center is tracing the source and distribution. What are the potential risks of malachite green to humans? The metabolite of malachite green, leucomalachite green, has been shown in animal experiments to possibly cause thyroid cancer and liver tumors, and is classified as a Group 2B carcinogen (possibly carcinogenic to humans).
Source: Read the original article | Published: January 30, 2026