Centre for Food Safety announces test results of Lunar New Year food (second phase)
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (February 9) announced the test results of a recently completed seasonal food surveillance project on Lunar New Year (LNY) food (second phase). The test results on 175 samples collected were all satisfactory.
A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS has conducted this seasonal food surveillance project in two phases, and the first-phase test results were announced last month. With the LNY around the corner, the CFS has completed the second phase of the surveillance project on LNY food. Steamed puddings (e.g. turnip puddings and festive cakes), fried dumplings (e.g. sesame balls and crispy triangles), candies, glutinous rice balls, nuts, pistachio nuts, melon seeds, vegetarian dishes and dried aquatic products were collected from different retailers (including online retailers) for chemical analysis. Chemical tests targeted preservatives, colouring matters, antioxidants, veterinary drug residue, etc."
The spokesman urged the food trade to observe the relevant laws and regulations in the preparation of food and production of labels. They should follow Good Manufacturing Practice and use permitted food additives only in an appropriate manner. Retailers should source food from reliable suppliers and conduct quality checks of incoming materials and end products to ensure that ingredients used are within legal standards. In addition, the food trade should maintain proper records in accordance with the requirements of the Food Safety Ordinance to allow source tracing if needed.
The spokesman also advised consumers to buy LNY food from reliable retailers with good hygiene conditions; make sure the packaging of prepackaged cakes and snacks is intact and the products have not expired; refer to the nutrition labels on the sugar, sodium (salt), saturated fat and trans fat content and more for making informed choices; and pay attention to the hygiene conditions of food containers and the personal hygiene of staff when buying loose-packed food (e.g. candied lotus seeds, nuts and melon seeds).
"Consumers should choose food products with natural colours. Bright white pistachios may have been bleached, and melon seeds with unnatural gloss may have had mineral oil added. Consumption of these food products can cause gastrointestinal discomfort," the spokesman said.
"Festive cakes that are not for immediate consumption should be kept refrigerated or stored according to the instructions on the package and should be eaten before they expire. Reheat hot-served festive cakes thoroughly before consumption, consume them as soon as possible, and avoid keeping them at room temperature for a long time. Foods like nuts and melon seeds should not be kept for a long time. Those with mould or an abnormal smell or taste should not be eaten," he added.
The spokesman reminded the public to maintain a balanced diet and, as far as practicable, avoid excessive consumption of foods high in energy, sugar, salt or fat, even during the LNY.
Please visit the CFS website (www.cfs.gov.hk/seasonalfood) for more food safety information about seasonal food.
Centre for Food Safety announces test results of Lunar New Year food (second phase) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Young rehabilitated persons conclude Greater Bay Area exchange tour in Zhuhai
To further cultivate national consciousness and positive values in young rehabilitated persons, correctional officers led youths who have completed their sentences and are under statutory supervision to participate in the Greater Bay Area Experience Exchange Tour 2026, visiting Foshan and Zhuhai in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area for three days and two nights of exchanges, so that they could learn about the country's history and culture as well as its developments in various fields.
Fourteen young rehabilitated persons began their exchange tour in Foshan on February 7. They first visited the San Tan Geming Shiji Exhibition Hall to learn about modern Chinese history, followed by a visit to a local school to interact with teachers and students, gaining insights into the local learning environment. They then proceeded to a Chinese medicine hospital to understand the long history of Chinese medicine and the development of the healthcare system. Participants subsequently headed to Zhuhai to participate in educational activities at a general aircraft company and a space centre to gain an understanding of national aircraft research and development, aircraft manufacturing and operational services as well as its achievements in aerospace technology. They also visited an intelligent technology company to learn about the nation's research, development and application of unmanned surface vessels.
A participating youth, Ah Ming (pseudonym), who had not returned to the Chinese Mainland for years, stated that during the "black-clad violence" in 2019, he and his friends were incited and misled by newspapers to commit violent acts on the street. He was subsequently sentenced to imprisonment, bearing the legal consequences of his actions. With the help of the Correctional Services Department (CSD)'s rehabilitation services, Ah Ming said he hopes to turn over a new leaf and reintegrate into society, making a contribution to Hong Kong and the homeland.
Ah Ming added that he previously had misunderstandings about the Chinese Mainland due to being misled. This trip has broadened his horizons significantly, not only allowing him to learn about Chinese history and culture, but also providing an opportunity for him to ride a high-speed train for the first time and visit technology enterprises, so that he could understand in person the rapid development of the country. He appreciated the CSD for the meticulous arrangements, which allowed him to rediscover his homeland.
The Exchange Tour is an extension of the Department's targeted rehabilitation programme, the Project PATH. Participants include youths under supervision who were involved in the "black-clad violence". The tour aims, through visits and observation, to allow participants to learn and understand the profound Chinese history and culture as well as to witness the nation's prosperous development, thereby deepening their understanding of national conditions and development and fostering their sense of belonging to the country and national identity.
Young rehabilitated persons conclude Greater Bay Area exchange tour in Zhuhai Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Young rehabilitated persons conclude Greater Bay Area exchange tour in Zhuhai Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Young rehabilitated persons conclude Greater Bay Area exchange tour in Zhuhai Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Young rehabilitated persons conclude Greater Bay Area exchange tour in Zhuhai Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Young rehabilitated persons conclude Greater Bay Area exchange tour in Zhuhai Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Young rehabilitated persons conclude Greater Bay Area exchange tour in Zhuhai Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Young rehabilitated persons conclude Greater Bay Area exchange tour in Zhuhai Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Young rehabilitated persons conclude Greater Bay Area exchange tour in Zhuhai Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
