The Hong Kong Center for Food Safety has announced the results of tests of 250 mooncake samples under its latest seasonal food surveillance program, with all samples passing the chemical and microbiological tests.
The CFS collected various types of mooncake samples, including traditional, snowy and ice-cream mooncakes, from retail outlets and food factories. The chemical tests included testing for preservatives, coloring matter, sweeteners, and antioxidants. The microbiological tests covered total bacterial count, coliform organisms and pathogens such as salmonella, staphylococcus aureus and listeria monocytogenes.
A CFS spokesman stated that there is an improvement in surveillance results this year; and it indicates that the trade has paid more effort to ensure the food safety of mooncakes. He reminded the food trade to ensure that their food products are fit for human consumption and meet legal requirements. They should also observe good hygiene practices in preparing and handling food he added.
The CFS warns that 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.
The spokesman said people should eat mooncakes in moderation, as most of these cakes are high in sugar and fat, and maintain a balanced diet. Those with chronic illnesses should consult physicians or dietitians before eating mooncakes.
