Ninety-one of 92 samples of festive food for the Lunar New Year have passed safety inspections, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department says, including puddings, sesame balls, sweetened dried fruit, melon seeds, preserved meat and dried seafood.

The only failed sample was a preserved Chinese sausage found to contain a non-permitted colouring, Rhodamine B. While its presence poses little health risk, the retailer concerned has been told to stop selling the product.

The department urged people to be mindful of food safety when shopping and preparing meals for the festive occasion. Melon seeds, for example, are one of the most popular Lunar New Year treats. But consumers should be careful not to buy ones that look too glossy as they may contain mineral oil, which might cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

For sweetened lotus seeds and pistachio, people should only choose those with natural colouring. Avoid buying those that look extraordinarily white, as they may have been bleached with chemicals.