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Studies on Safety of Fresh Fruits and Pre-cut Fruits
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) has recently conducted two studies on
fresh fruits to assess the potential public health risk associated with
pesticide residues and heavy metals that may be present in fresh fruits,
as well as their microbiological quality.
Study on pesticide residues and heavy metals in fresh fruits
During July and October 2006, the CFS sampled a total of 357 fruit samples
of some 40 kinds of fresh fruits obtained from local retail markets. Of
the samples taken, 161 were analysed for heavy metals; the rest 196 were
analysed for pesticide residues.
The results on pesticide residues and heavy metals were all satisfactory.
Study on microbiological quality of pre-cut fresh fruits
During April and August 2006, the CFS sampled 136 pre-cut fruit samples
from various retail outlets, and analysed their microbiological quality
in terms of Escherichia coli, salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus.
The results revealed that the microbiological quality of all the samples
were satisfactory, suggesting that the risk of pre-cut fruits for foodborne
illness was considered low.
Advice to trade
- Wash fresh fruits (including those fruits that needed peeling) thoroughly
under running tap water before peeling, cutting or serving.
- Allocate a specific work area as well as designated equipment and
utensils to handle pre-cut fruits to prevent cross contamination.
- Refrigerate pre-cut fruits immediately after preparation (i.e. at
a temperature of 4oC or below); pre-cut fruits should be discarded if
left at room temperature for more than two hours.
- Serve a variety of fresh fruits, and to serve them more often as desserts.
Advice to public
- When buying pre-cut ready-to-eat fruits, they should choose those
products that have been properly refrigerated.
- Wash fresh fruits (including those fruits that needed peeling) thoroughly
before peeling, slicing or consumption.
- Store pre-cut fruits at 4oC or below until consumption; discard them
if they have been left at room temperature for more than two hours.
Conclusion
Test results of fresh fruits and pre-cut fruits sampled from local retail
levels indicated that all samples were satisfactory in terms of pesticide
residues, heavy metals and microbiological quality. As fruits are good
sources of vitamin and dietary fibres, members of the public are advised
to follow WHO's recommendations to maintain a balanced diet with plenty
of fruits.
Further Information
Further information can be obtained from the following -
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