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The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) today (September 2) announced the results of tests of 250 mooncake samples under its latest Seasonal Food Surveillance Programme, with all samples passing the chemical and microbiological tests.
The CFS collected various types of mooncake samples, including traditional, snowy and ice-cream mooncakes, from retail outlets and food factories. The chemical tests included preservatives, colouring matters, sweeteners and antioxidants. The microbiological tests covered total bacterial count, coliform organisms and pathogens such as Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes.
"There is an improvement in surveillance results this year. It indicates that the trade has paid more effort to ensure the food safety of mooncakes. The trade is reminded to ensure that their food products are fit for human consumption and meet legal requirements. They should also observe good hygiene practices in preparing and handling food," a CFS spokesman said.
"Snowy and ice-cream mooncakes, which do not undergo a baking process at high temperature, need to be handled hygienically during processing, transportation and storage to avoid contamination and growth of food poisoning germs."
He also advises the public to apply the "Five Keys to Food Safety" in the process of purchase, storage and consumption of mooncakes to prevent food-borne illnesses.
Following are the "Five Keys to Food Safety" tips for mooncake lovers:
* Purchase mooncakes from reliable outlets, check whether the mooncakes are properly packaged, pay attention to the expiry dates and eat them within the recommended period;
* Be aware of the storage temperature when purchasing and storing the mooncakes. Snowy mooncakes should be kept at four degrees Celsius or below, while ice-cream mooncakes at minus 18 degrees Celsius or below. Snowy and ice-cream mooncakes taken out from the refrigerator should be consumed as soon as possible;
* Use an icebox when carrying snowy or ice-cream mooncakes outdoors and consume them as soon as possible;
* Properly wrapped mooncakes and raw food should be kept separately in the refrigerator;
* Good personal hygiene should be maintained when enjoying mooncakes. Wash hands properly with warm soapy water before handling mooncakes.
The spokesman said people should eat mooncakes in moderation, as most of these cakes are high in sugar and fat, and maintain a balanced diet. Those with chronic illnesses should consult physicians or dietitians before eating mooncakes. If there is a nutrition label available, do read the detailed information about the mooncakes' nutrient content (such as sugar and fat) and choose those with lower sugar and fat.
The public may browse the CFS website (www.cfs.gov.hk) for further information on mooncakes and Food Safety Tips.
Ends/Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Issued at HKT 16:27
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