The levels of Benzoyl peroxide and ammonia in green bean vermicelli sold in Hong Kong are well within safety limits, and consumers should buy Longkou vermicelli from reputable outlets.

The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department said surveillance on Longkou vermicelli on sale in the local market has been stepped up following recent reports that the chemicals were used in its processing in Shandong.

During follow-up inspections, 21 samples were collected from retail outlets for testing and the results showed Benzoyl peroxide and ammonia in all samples were well within safety limits.

The chemicals are considered safe to use in processing food by the World Health Organisation and there is no evidence they cause cancer.

Tests for other non-permitted additives and chemicals are ongoing.

As a good handling practice, consumers should rinse and soak green bean vermicelli in water before cooking.