Temperature alert: Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow (centre) reminds people not to keep perishable food at the "temperature danger zone" of four to 60 degrees Celsius.

Of the 62,000 food samples taken for microbiological and chemical tests under the Food Surveillance Programme last year, the overall failure rate was only 0.3%, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow says.

He said the community must remain vigilant in maintaining and enhancing food safety standards.

Officiating at the Food Safety Day roadshow today, Dr Chow stressed the importance of the importance of three-way co-operation, involving the Government, the trade and the public, in ensuring food safety.

He said the Government has a duty to enforce food safety regulations, promote a food safety culture, and monitor foods through its regular surveillance programme. 

The food trade must observe the law and strictly follow codes on food, environmental and personal hygiene.

The public should exercise caution in choosing foods and observe food hygiene to protect personal health.

Temperature danger zone

Dr Chow highlighted the importance of proper temperature control in food preparation to prevent food poisoning.

He reminded people to cook and reheat food thoroughly with a core temperature of 75 degrees Celsius or above and not to keep perishable food at the "temperature danger zone" of four to 60 degrees Celsius.

Today's roadshow is co-organised by the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department and Radio Television Hong Kong to promote food safety awareness among the food trade and members of the public.

Government officials, Legislative Councillors, Consumer Council representatives and the food trade showed their commitment to upholding food safety and exercise caution in all aspects of food preparation by signing a charter.

Star chef appeals

To help drive home food safety messages, world-renowned chef Martin Yan has been appointed the Food Safety Ambassador.

He appears in a short educational film that will be uploaded onto the department's website and shown to community groups for education and training.

More information on food safety is available here or through the department's hotline, 2868 0000.