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The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (November 28) released the findings of its food safety report for last month. The results of about 9 300 food samples tested were found to be satisfactory except for nine samples which were announced earlier. The overall satisfactory rate was 99.9 per cent.
A CFS spokesman said about 2 800 food samples had been taken for chemical tests. Some 900 samples were collected for microbiological tests and the remaining 5 700 (including about 5 500 samples taken from food imported from Japan) were collected for testing of radiation levels.
The microbiological tests covered pathogens and hygienic indicators, while the chemical tests were aimed at detecting pesticides, preservatives, metallic contamination, colouring matters, veterinary drug residues, plasticisers and others.
The samples comprised about 1 500 samples of vegetables and fruits and their products; 800 samples of meat and poultry and their products; 1 600 samples of aquatic and related products; 500 samples of milk, milk products and frozen confections; 600 samples of cereals, grains and their products; and 4 400 samples of other food commodities.
The spokesman reminded the food trade to ensure that their food is fit for consumption and meets legal requirements. Consumers should patronise reliable shops when buying food and maintain a balanced diet to minimise food risk.
Ends/Friday, November 28, 2014
Issued at HKT 15:48
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