Dragon Boat delights get safety stamp of approval

Hong Kong's Centre for Food Safety has confirmed that all 113 rice dumpling samples tested in its latest seasonal food survey met safety requirements ahead of the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival.

The comprehensive examination covered products collected from various retailers including online platforms, restaurants and food manufacturers across the city.

The food safety watchdog conducted rigorous chemical and microbiological testing on the traditional festival food.

Chemical analyses screened for artificial coloring, preservatives, metal contaminants, mineral oils and pesticide residues, while microbial examinations checked for harmful pathogens including Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus.

Nutrition labeling accuracy was also verified, with tests confirming the energy values, protein, fat, sodium and sugar contents matched package claims.

A spokesman for the center reminded consumers to purchase rice dumplings from reliable shops, carefully inspect packaging for damage, and check expiration dates when selecting the festive treats. For non-prepackaged varieties, buyers should ensure the bamboo leaf wrapping remains intact.

The center also issued safety guidelines for homemade rice dumplings, advising the public to source bamboo leaves from trustworthy suppliers while avoiding unusually green leaves or those with chemical odors.

Proper hygiene practices, including thorough handwashing, utensil sterilization and preventing cross-contamination between raw and cooked ingredients, were emphasized as essential preparation steps.

(Marco Lam)