Sixty-nine samples of hairy crabs collected recently at import, wholesale and retail levels for chemical and microbiological tests were all found to be satisfactory, the Centre for Food Safety says.

Despite the satisfactory results, the centre still urged people to be careful when buying and eating hairy crabs, and traders should only import those with health certificates.

The centre also advises consumers to observe the Five Keys to Food Safety in purchasing, storing, preparing and cooking hairy crabs to prevent food-borne illnesses while enjoying the seasonal delicacy.

The microbiological tests covered parasites, while the chemical tests included metallic contamination, synthetic hormones, colouring matters and veterinary drug residues.

Click here for the test results.