Safety tests of Lunar New Year food showed an overall satisfactory rate of 99.9%, the Centre for Food Safety announced today.
Over the past two months, the centre collected 675 samples from local supermarkets, grocery stores, market stalls and restaurants for microbiological and chemical tests, out of which one candied lotus seed sample contained a preservative exceeding the legal limit.
Foods tested included steamed puddings such as turnip pudding, fried dumplings, candied fruits and vegetables, glutinous rice balls, seeds, dried vegetables, 'poon choi', dried aquatic products and Chinese preserved meat.
Chemical tests targeted preservatives, colouring matters, antioxidants, metallic contaminants and toxins, while microbiological tests screened for organisms such as salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus.
Test results showed the candied lotus seed sample contained sulphur dioxide at a level of 580 parts per million, exceeding the legal limit of 500 ppm, but still at a level that would be unlikely to pose adverse health effects to consumers, the centre said.
The centre has taken follow-up actions including source tracing, requesting the vendor to stop selling the item, and issuing a warning letter. Prosecution will be taken if there is sufficient evidence.
The centre reminded people to maintain a balanced diet and avoid foods that are high in calories, sugar, salt, fat or cholesterol.
