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The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) announced today (October 29) the first batch of test results for hairy crabs. Sixty-nine samples of hairy crabs collected recently at import, wholesale and retail levels for chemical and microbiological tests were all found to be satisfactory.
The microbiological tests covered parasites, while the chemical tests included metallic contamination (including mercury, lead and arsenic), synthetic hormones, colouring matters (including Sudan dyes) and veterinary drug residues (including chloramphenicol, sulphonamides, tetracycline, nitrofurans and malachite green).
"Despite the satisfactory results, people should be careful when purchasing and eating hairy crabs, and traders should import hairy crabs with health certificates," a CFS spokesman said.
He also advised the public to observe the "Five Keys to Food Safety" in purchasing, storing, preparing and cooking hairy crabs to prevent food-borne illnesses while enjoying the seasonal delicacy.
The "Five Keys to Food Safety" for hairy crab lovers are:
Choose
* Buy hairy crabs from reliable and hygienic shops or restaurants; and
* Buy hairy crabs with intact, shiny shells without a foul smell.
Keep clean
* Brush and wash the crab shells and claws with water before cooking;
* Wash hands with soap and water before consumption.
Separate raw and cooked food
* Wrap the crabs properly and store them separately from other foods in the refrigerator to avoid cross-contamination.
Cook thoroughly
* Cook thoroughly and remove the internal organs completely before consumption as hairy crabs may contain parasites and pathogens; and
* Avoid eating raw crabs. Condiments such as salt, vinegar, wine and wasabi cannot kill bacteria or parasites that may be present.
Safe temperature
* Cooked hairy crabs should be consumed as soon as possible and never keep them in room temperature for more than two hours.
"People should maintain a balanced diet and avoid eating too many hairy crabs, particularly the cholesterol-rich roes and sperm. Patients with chronic illnesses should eat hairy crabs in moderation," the spokesman said.
Ends/Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Issued at HKT 16:15
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