Hong Kong Authorities Slam Mishi Ice City for Excessive Bacterial Content in Frozen Desserts

The food safety center has instructed the store to stop selling the affected products and to conduct a thorough cleaning and disinfection. The store has also been provided with food safety and hygiene education, and may face prosecution if sufficient evidence is found. This incident highlights the importance of food safety and hygiene in the food industry, and the need for regular monitoring and testing to ensure compliance with regulations. The Hong Kong government has implemented strict food safety regulations, and businesses that fail to comply may face severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

The incident has sparked intense online discussion, with some netizens expressing their continued support for the brand, while others have emphasized the importance of prioritizing consumer health and safety. Some have questioned whether the brand was being unfairly targeted due to its affordable prices, suggesting that local water quality might be a contributing factor to the excessive bacterial content. Others have downplayed the significance of the incident, stating that it was an isolated issue in Hong Kong and did not affect the mainland.

In response to the incident, consumers are advised to be vigilant when consuming frozen desserts and to check the expiration dates and packaging for any signs of tampering or contamination. The Hong Kong government has also urged consumers to report any concerns or complaints about food safety to the authorities. This incident marks the second time Mishi Ice City has faced food safety issues this year, following an incident in March where a store in Yichang, Hubei Province, was exposed for using overnight lemons and oranges to make signature drinks, and flies were found in the store and even on the lids of milk tea cups.

Mishi Ice City, a well-known domestic freshly made beverage brand, has been expanding rapidly, with a total of 46,479 stores worldwide as of December 31, 2024. The brand continues to penetrate the market and expand overseas, with 23,858 stores in third-tier and lower cities, accounting for 57.4% of the total, and 4,895 stores outside of mainland China. In terms of performance, Mishi Ice City achieved a revenue of 24.83 billion yuan in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 22.3%, with a gross profit of 8.06 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 34.4%, and a gross profit margin of 32.5%. The company's net profit reached 4.45 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 39.8%.

Some netizens have expressed concerns that the brand's affordable prices might be compromised by food safety and hygiene issues, while others have pointed out that the incident was an isolated case and that the brand's overall quality and safety standards should not be judged solely on this incident. The Food Safety Centre of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate actions to safeguard food safety and public health. As the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety and hygiene, businesses are urged to prioritize these concerns to protect public health.