Test results of mooncakes
The more than 200 mooncake samples under the Seasonal Food Surveillance Programme of the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) have passed chemical and microbiological tests.
A spokesman for the CFS said today (September 18) that 250 samples in 30 brand names had been collected from retail outlets and food factories recently. The samples covered traditional, snowy, ice-cream and other types of mooncakes.
The chemical tests included preservatives, antioxidants and colouring matters such as sudan dyes. The microbiological tests covered total bacterial count, coliform organisms and pathogens such as Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes.
Despite the satisfactory results of all samples, the spokesman reminded the food trade to purchase food ingredients from reliable suppliers. "They should adhere to the 'good manufacturing practice' in manufacturing and comply with the legal requirements when using food additives," he 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 said.
He also advised the public to observe the "Five Keys to Food Safety" in the process of purchase, storage and consumption of mooncakes to prevent food-borne illnesses.
The "Five Keys" tips for mooncake consumers are as follows:
* Buy from reliable outlets, check whether the mooncakes are properly packaged, pay attention to the expiry dates and eat them within the recommended period;
* Note the storage temperature when buying and storing the mooncakes. Snowy mooncakes should be kept at four degrees Celsius or below, and ice-cream mooncakes at minus 18 degrees Celsius or below. Snowy and ice-cream mooncakes taken out from 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;
* Wrap mooncakes properly and keep separately from raw food when storing in refrigerator;
* Maintain good personal hygiene. Wash hands properly with liquid soap and running water before handling mooncakes.
The spokesman said people should eat mooncakes in moderation, as they are mostly high in sugar and fat, and maintain a balanced diet. The nutrition label if available should be referred to and those with lower sugar and fat were preferred. Patients with chronic illnesses should consult physicians or dietitians before eating mooncakes.
The public may browse the CFS website (www.cfs.gov.hk) for information on the test results and the food safety tips.
Ends/Friday, September 18, 2009
Issued at HKT 15:31
