The Centre for Food Safety tested about 11,500 food samples in July and August and found 34 to be unsatisfactory including 20 announced previously.

A water spinach sample was found with a trace amount of pesticides while a preserved garlic was found to contain sulphur dioxide exceeding the permitted level. An eggplant and a Romaine hearts sample were found to contain cadmium.

A chilled pork sample and a beef ball were found unsatisfactory, containing veterinary drug residues and non-permitted preservatives.

Four samples of chilled prawn were found containing veterinary drug residues, while an oyster and a fish sample contained cadmium exceeding the permitted level and non-permitted colouring matters.

A vegetarian food sample was found to contain Bacillus cereus and an instant noodle with chicken sample contained Staphylococcus aureus.　　　　

Sources traced

The centre has traced the sources of the food and asked vendors to stop selling and dispose of the items, and issued warning letters. If there is sufficient evidence, prosecution will be taken.

Most of the breaches are not serious and will not pose immediate health risks.

As a number of unsatisfactory samples related to the use of excessive or non-permitted food additives, the centre urged the food trade to use only permitted food additives, follow good manufacturing practice, and comply with legal requirements.