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The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) today (December 18) released the test results of a seasonal food surveillance project for buffet food and "poon choi".
A CFS spokesman said that the centre recently collected 275 samples of buffet food (including steak, salad, cold dishes, sushi and sashimi) and 15 samples of "poon choi" to test for pathogens such as Bacillus cereus, Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus. All samples passed the tests.
The spokesman advised the public to take the following safety tips on consuming buffet food and "poon choi", which are popular in festive gatherings:
Buffet food:
* Patronise licensed and reliable restaurants;
* Pay attention to the freshness of food and do not consume food that looks or tastes abnormal; and
* The elderly, children, pregnant women and people with lower immunity level should avoid eating high-risk food like raw seafood or cold dishes.
"Poon choi"
* Order "poon choi" from licensed and reliable suppliers;
* Consume as soon as possible. Do not keep the food under room temperature for more than two hours;
* Reheat thoroughly before consumption; and
* Stop consumption immediately if the food tastes or smells abnormal.
"The public should also maintain a balanced diet, and avoid eating too much food with high levels of energy, sugar, fat and cholesterol," the spokesman said.
ĦĦĦĦThe public can browse the CFS' website (www.cfs.gov.hk) for safety tips on consuming buffet food and "poon choi".
The Centre also released the findings of a targeted food surveillance project on non-bottled drinks and Chinese herb teas. It collected 319 samples of non-bottled drinks (including fruit juice, tea, coffee and soft drinks) and 181 samples of Chinese herb tea (including 24-variety herb tea, hemp seed drink, sour plum drink and five-flower tea) for microbiological and chemical tests.
All samples passed the microbiological tests which covered pathogens including Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella, Shigella and Staphylococcus aureus. The chemical tests covered non-permitted sweeteners (including stevioside) and colouring matters (including Sudan dyes, Rhodamine B and Orange II). All the test results were satisfactory.
The spokesman reminded the trade to follow good manufacturing practise, and comply with the legal requirements when using food additives.
"The public should patronise licensed and reliable premises for non-bottled drinks and Chinese herb tea, and do not take too many drinks that are high in sugar and energy," he said.
Ends/Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Issued at HKT 16:21
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