Only 10% of crocodile meat genuine: Survey

Updated: 2006-12-02 07:39

By Teddy Ng(HK Edition)

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A survey by the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) yesterday revealed that only 10 per cent of the dry crocodile meat available in Hong Kong are genuine.

The fake products could lead to delayed treatment of asthma, although it has no other significant health hazards, researchers said.

The researchers first identified the specific DNA sequences of crocodiles and monitor lizards by using the blood samples of the Bay crocodile Pui Pui, which is now at the Hong Kong wetland park. Monitor lizards were supplied by Kadoorie Farm and Gardens, and the crocodile meat samples were from a renowned seafood company.

They then purchased 11 samples of crocodile meat from different parts in Hong Kong, and found that only one sample was found to be genuine.

The remaining samples were found to be monitor lizard meat.

Some previous samples taken from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) were actually snake meat.

The university biology professor Paul But said some of the fake samples were found in renowned shops, with some claiming that they had approval from the AFCD to sell crocodile meat.

Some of the samples cost HK$200 and HK$300 per a few taels, and the staff claimed that the products were of high quality.

Some staff also wrote down the word "fish" on the invoice instead of specifying clearly "crocodile meat," But said.

He said it was difficult to distinguish the fake products just by seeing and tasting.

"Crocodile meat looks very similar with monitor lizard meat. It is difficult to distinguish the two until scientific method is adopted," he said.

The university Chinese medicine visiting professor Liang Songming said crocodile meat could be used to treat asthma, while monitor lizard meat had no medical use.

He said asthma treatment might be delayed because of the fake meat.

Urging the government and the shops to protect consumers' interest, he said the labelling system should be adopted, in which the details of the meat suppliers and the composition should be explained to customers.

"The labelling system could also enable government officials to trace the origin of the suspect product," he said.

He also asked the Customs and Excise Department, AFCD and the Consumer Council to follow up the matter.

A spokesman for the Customs and Excise Department said the department would probe the matter to find out if the shops has violated the Trade Description Ordinance, which carried a maximum penalty of HK$500,000 fine and five years imprisonment.

An AFCD spokesman said they would inspect whether shops had illegally imported crocodile meat.

(HK Edition 12/02/2006 page2)