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The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (December 31) released the findings of its food safety report for last month (November). All of the some 12 900 food samples collected passed the tests.
A CFS spokesman said about 5 200 food samples had been taken for chemical tests, some 1 600 samples for microbiological tests and the remaining 6 100 (including about 5 000 samples taken from food imported from Japan) for testing of radiation levels.
The microbiological tests covered pathogens and hygienic indicators while the chemical tests aimed at detecting pesticides, preservatives, metallic contamination, colouring matters, veterinary drug residues, plasticisers and others.
The samples comprised about 3 600 samples of vegetables and fruits and their products; 1 100 samples of meat and poultry and their products; 2 000 samples of aquatic and related products; 500 samples of milk, milk products and frozen confections; 400 samples of cereals, grains and their products; and 5 300 samples of other food commodities.
Although all samples passed the tests, the spokesman reminded the food trade to follow the "Five Keys to Food Safety" in food production to prevent food borne diseases. Food manufacturers and retailers should source food from reliable suppliers and maintain a good recording system in accordance with the requirements of the Food Safety Ordinance to allow source tracing if needed.
Consumers should patronise reliable shops when buying food and maintain a balanced diet to minimise food risk.
Ends/Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Issued at HKT 14:31
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