Imported frozen chicken leg samples exceed veterinary drug residue limit
Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety found excessive doxycycline in imported frozen chicken legs from China. The importer has been ordered to stop sales and recall affected batches. Normal consumption poses no health risk, but the violation may lead to a fine or imprisonment.
The Centre for Food Safety of Hong Kong announced on 6 November 2026 that a sample of imported frozen chicken legs exceeded the legal limit for the veterinary drug doxycycline. The affected product is “Chicken Bone-in Whole Leg 240-260 grams”, under the brand “城字” (City), sourced from China and imported by维利加发展有限公司 (Viliga Development Company Limited). Each case weighs 15 kilograms, with a production date of 22 July 2026 and a best-before date of 21 January 2028.
According to a centre spokesman, the sample was collected under the routine food monitoring programme at the import level. Testing showed the sample contained 180 micrograms of doxycycline per kilogram, exceeding the legal maximum of 100 micrograms per kilogram. The spokesman said the centre has informed the importer of the violation and ordered it to stop sales and remove the affected batch from shelves. The importer has initiated a recall as instructed, and consumers may call the importer’s hotline at 2944 8139 during office hours for recall inquiries.
The spokesman added that, given the detected level of the veterinary drug residue, normal consumption of the product would not pose a risk to health. Under the Harmful Substances in Food Regulations (Cap. 132AF), poultry meat sold for human consumption in Hong Kong must not contain more than 100 micrograms of doxycycline per kilogram. Offenders, upon conviction, face a fine of up to HK$50,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.
The centre will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. The investigation is ongoing.