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The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) recently collected hairy crabs for chemical and microbiological analyses. Test results of all the 104 samples announced today (October 24) were satisfactory.
Results for another 74 samples, which had been announced earlier, were also satisfactory.
The microbiological tests covered parasites, while the chemical tests included heavy metals, synthetic hormones and veterinary drug residues (including antibiotics, nitrofurans and malachite green).
"Despite the satisfactory results, people should be careful when purchasing and eating hairy crabs," a CFS spokesman said.
The spokesman also reminded people to buy hairy crabs from reliable shops or restaurants, and store them separately from other foods in the refrigerator to avoid cross-contamination. They should not eat raw crabs, and should wash and cook them thoroughly, and remove the internal organs before eating.
"People should maintain a balanced diet and avoid eating too many hairy crabs, particularly the cholesterol-rich roe. Patients with chronic illnesses should eat hairy crabs in moderation," the spokesman said.
People can browse the CFS website (www.cfs.gov.hk) for food safety tips on consuming hairy crabs.
Ends/Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Issued at HKT 16:26
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