Most Lunar New Year food up to par, with 3 missing the mark

Around 760 Lunar New Year food samples passed the chemical and microbiological tests, except for three that failed to meet the preservatives and labeling rules, according to the Centre for Food Safety.

The test results of the first phase of the seasonal food surveillance project cover various foods such as steamed puddings, fried dumplings, candies, glutinous rice balls, nuts, melon seeds, vegetarian dishes, and dried aquatic goods.

The collected samples underwent chemical tests targeting preservatives, metallic contaminants, sweeteners and others, along with microbiological tests to identify different food poisoning pathogens.

The three unsatisfactory food samples included a prepackaged candied winter melon sample and a dried soybean curd sample detected with preservatives exceeding the legal limit, and a prepackaged rice cake sample not in compliance with the nutrition labeling regulation.

The CFS spokesman advised consumers to check the integrity and the expiration date when purchasing prepackaged cakes and snacks.

Consumers are also encouraged to examine nutritional labels, including sugar, salt (sodium), and fat content, to make healthier choices and be mindful of the sanitary environment when purchasing loose-packed items.

Meanwhile, the spokesman recommended consumers to choose food with natural colors, as bright white pistachios may have been bleached and melon seed with unusual gloss may have been added to mineral oil, causing gastrointestinal discomfort.