All mooncake samples pass safety tests ahead of Mid-Autumn Festival: Food Safety Center

As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, the Food Safety Center of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (Sept. 10) that all 365 mooncake samples, taken over two phases of testing, have passed safety inspections. The first phase involved 179 samples, while the second phase tested 186 samples.

Despite the positive results, the department advises the public to maintain a balanced diet and avoid excessive consumption of mooncakes due to their generally high sugar and fat content, with some varieties also containing high levels of salt.

Excessive intake of fats can increase the risk of overweight and obesity, while sugar is a decisive factor in weight gain and dental caries. Additionally, high sodium intake can raise the risk of hypertension and potentially fatal conditions such as stroke and coronary heart disease.

The department also recommends that consumers check the nutritional labels on mooncakes to understand their sugar, salt, and fat content to make healthier choices. It is advised to avoid mooncakes that are high in fat or sugar, specifically those containing more than 20 grams of total fat or more than 15 grams of sugar per 100 grams. For reducing sodium intake, low-sodium mooncakes, containing no more than 120 milligrams of sodium per 100 grams, should be chosen.

The following tips are suggested by the department for purchasing, storing, and consuming mooncakes, in order to prevent foodborne illnesses:

- Buy mooncakes from reputable retail shops and avoid unlicensed vendors. Before purchasing, check for any damage to the packaging and consume the mooncakes before the expiry date;

- If not consumed immediately, store according to the instructions on the packaging. Chilled mooncakes should be stored at temperatures of 4 degrees Celsius or below, while ice cream mooncakes should be kept at minus 18 degrees Celsius or lower. Once removed from the refrigerator, consume them as soon as possible;

- When taking chilled or ice cream mooncakes outdoors, use a travel cooler and consume them quickly;

- Store mooncakes properly wrapped and separate from raw foods to prevent cross-contamination;

- Maintain personal hygiene by washing hands with running water and soap before handling and consuming mooncakes.

Related News:

Chinapedia | Mid-Autumn Festival in HK: Drone Show & Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance

Mid-Autumn Festival highlight: Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance to be held from Sept. 16 to 18