IAM finds eight food samples fail safety tests in Q2 monitoring

The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) identified eight food samples that failed safety tests during its second quarter (Q2) food safety monitoring program, involving ready-to-eat and cold-dish products, according to the bureau.

IAM collected 775 food samples randomly from the market during Q2, including 411 general food products and 364 samples from food and beverage establishments. The samples were collected from restaurants, takeaway shops, cooked food centers, supermarkets, fresh food retailers and grocery stores across the city.

The samples underwent microbiological and chemical testing, including screening for common pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, as well as tests for food additives, prohibited substances, residues, contaminants and toxins.

The eight failed samples involved products including raw marinated shrimp, rice bowls, roasted meats, octopus salad, spicy-sour lemon chicken feet and loose-packed noodles with whole egg. Tests found excessive levels of microorganisms or contaminants, including Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Clostridium perfringens, Listeria monocytogenes and lead.

IAM said it immediately required the businesses involved to stop selling the affected products and dispose of them, while tracing their sources.

With hot and humid weather increasing food safety risks, IAM said it has stepped up inspections of establishments selling cold dishes and roasted meat.

The bureau advised businesses to closely monitor food storage temperatures and preparation times, while consumers should keep raw and ready-to-eat foods below 5 C and hot foods above 60 C.