Hairy crab samples tested satisfactory

Following earlier tests on 24 hairy crab samples which were all found to be satisfactory, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) had collected 43 more samples recently for chemical and microbiological analyses.

Results of the latest batch were all satisfactory, a spokesman for CFS said today (November 3).

The microbiological tests cover parasites, while the chemical tests include heavy metals and drug residues, including chloramphenicol and nitrofurans.

Despite the satisfactory results, the spokesman reminded people to be careful when purchasing and eating hairy crabs.

"People should buy crabs from reputable shops or restaurants.

"Also, they should maintain a balanced diet and avoid eating too many hairy crabs, particularly the cholesterol-rich roe and sperm. Patients with chronic illnesses should eat hairy crabs in moderation," he said.
Ends/Friday, November 3, 2006