Test results of seasonal food surveillance project on hairy crabs all satisfactory
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (November 13) announced the test results of the seasonal food surveillance project on hairy crabs. All samples passed the tests.
The tests included veterinary drug residues, metallic contaminants, synthetic hormones, colouring matters and pesticide residues, as well as dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls.
A spokesman for the CFS said, "From January 2026 to the end of October 2026, the CFS collected 92 hairy crab samples at the import and retail levels for chemical tests, and the test results were all satisfactory. The CFS will continue to conduct surveillance on hairy crabs to ensure food safety."
Traders should have obtained relevant permits or written permission granted by the FEHD for selling hairy crabs, and the hairy crabs being sold must be accompanied with health certificates issued by the relevant authorities of the exporting economies. They should source hairy crabs from reliable suppliers and comply with the relevant regulatory requirements. Moreover, hairy crabs for sale must be kept in a refrigerator.
The CFS advises members of the public to observe the following Five Keys to Food Safety in purchasing, storing, preparing and cooking hairy crabs to prevent food-borne illnesses and enjoy the seasonal food safely.
Choose wisely
• Buy hairy crabs from reliable and hygienic shops with the Shell Fish (Hairy Crab) Permit or relevant written permission granted by the FEHD;
• During purchases, check whether the hairy crabs for sale are kept in a refrigerator, and buy live crabs with intact, shiny shells and without a foul smell; and
• For online purchases, buy from reliable online shops with licences or restricted food permits, and pay attention to the nature and potential risks associated with food items purchased online.
Keep clean
• Brush and wash the crab shells and claws before cooking; and
• Wash hands with running water and soap, and rub for at least 20 seconds before consumption.
Separate raw and cooked foods
• Put the raw crabs in a container with a cover and store them separately from other foods in the refrigerator to avoid cross-contamination.
Cook thoroughly
• Avoid eating raw crabs. Cook thoroughly and remove internal organs completely before consumption. Condiments such as salt, vinegar, wine and wasabi cannot kill bacteria or parasites that may be present in the crabs.
Safe temperature
• Cooked crabs should be consumed as soon as possible.
The Centre for Food Safety of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (November 13) announced the test results of the seasonal food surveillance project on hairy crabs. All samples passed the tests. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ 2026 to foster cultural exchanges with Belt and Road countries and regions
The outdoor carnival Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ 2026 (AECP+), the finale programme of the Asia+ Festival 2026, will be held on November 22 from 2pm to 6pm at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza and Foyer, bringing together representatives from around 30 Belt and Road countries and regions. Admission is free, and members of the public and tourists are welcome to join and experience the charm of cultural exchanges and diversity.
With the theme "Blessings in Full Bloom", this year's AECP+ will celebrate unity through ritual and share blessings in art, creating cultural resonance and showcasing the vibrant spirit of diverse ethnic groups. The carnival will feature dance and music performances of different ethnic styles. Cultural booths and workshops will also be set up, presenting exquisite crafts and signature snacks from various countries and regions.
Concurrently, an eight-day exhibition, "Convergence of Cross-Cultural Gifting - Ethnic Cultural Exhibition", will be staged at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Foyer from November 22 to 29, featuring handicrafts including woven textiles, oil painting, and porcelains from various countries and regions.
AECP+ has received enthusiastic support from various consulates-general and overseas cultural organisations in Hong Kong. Participating countries and regions include Bangladesh; Belarus; Brunei Darussalam; Cambodia; the Dominican Republic; Egypt; Hungary; Indonesia; Iran; Kazakhstan; Korea; Kuwait; Laos; Malaysia; Myanmar; Nepal; Nigeria; Pakistan; the Philippines; Qatar; Russia; Saudi Arabia; Singapore; Sri Lanka; Thailand; Türkiye; Uruguay; Vietnam; Zimbabwe; Guangzhou, China; Hong Kong, China and Macao, China.
Highlights of AECP+ will be made available online. For programme details, please visit the website of the Community Programmes Office of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) (https://www.cpo.gov.hk/activity/en-aecp-2026-carnival/) or call 2591 1340.
Presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the LCSD, the Asia+ Festival is held annually from September to November. This year, artists from over 30 Asian and Belt and Road countries and regions will take part in the festival, featuring over 100 performances and activities. For details, please visit www.asiaplus.gov.hk or call 2370 1044.
Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ 2026 to foster cultural exchanges with Belt and Road countries and regions Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ 2026 to foster cultural exchanges with Belt and Road countries and regions Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ 2026 to foster cultural exchanges with Belt and Road countries and regions Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ 2026 to foster cultural exchanges with Belt and Road countries and regions Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ 2026 to foster cultural exchanges with Belt and Road countries and regions Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ 2026 to foster cultural exchanges with Belt and Road countries and regions Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ 2026 to foster cultural exchanges with Belt and Road countries and regions Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
