Two samples of crispy sesame seed balls have been found containing antioxidants exceeding the permitted level, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department says.

The department said one of the samples was found to contain butylated hydroxyanisole and the other butylated hydroxytoluene.

The two chemicals were permitted antioxidants commonly used in deep-fried foods like crispy sesame seed balls and crispy triangles to prevent rancidity due to oxidation.

Although the levels of these chemicals detected in the samples pose little health risks, the retailers have been advised to stop selling the products in question.

Another 61 samples of festive food for the Lunar New Year have passed safety inspections, including puddings, melon seeds and crispy snack items. Only the two sesame-seed ball samples collected from two stores and sold as prepacked food failed the test.

This follows test results on similar food items released earlier in which 314 out of a total of 316 samples were found satisfactory.

Crispy foods should be stored in fridge

Noting deep-fried festive foods are popular Lunar New Year treats, the department advised consumers not to buy food products showing signs of deterioration.