臘味食安警示：節日美食背後的風險 🎯Festive Sausages: Hidden Risks Behind the Delicacy

食物安全中心於2025年11月20日公布最新調查，164個臘味樣本全部合格，包括化學殘餘、重金屬、防腐劑及營養標籤檢測，結果令人安心。然而，中心提醒市民：臘味含高量硝酸鹽、亞硝酸鹽，長期過量攝取可能形成致癌性亞硝胺，加工肉類已被世衛列為「第1組致癌物」。此外，臘味亦含高鹽、高脂，嬰幼兒應避免食用，成人也要節制。

為什麼臘味要檢測？🌭

每逢冬季，臘腸、臘肉、臘鴨成為餐桌上的主角，但你知道嗎？這些食品在製作過程中會加入硝酸鹽和亞硝酸鹽，防止腐敗並保持色澤。然而，過量攝取可能形成致癌性亞硝胺，加工肉類更被世界衛生組織列為「第1組致癌物」。

你知道嗎？香港還有「總膳食研究」📌

《第二次香港總膳食研究》檢測187種食物，發現硝酸鹽主要來自蔬菜，亞硝酸鹽則多源於體內轉化。雖然目前攝取量在安全範圍，但長期高加工食品飲食仍需警惕。

食物測試如何進行？🔍

食安中心每年抽取約65,000個樣本，涵蓋進口、批發及零售階段，並進行多項檢測：

• 化學測試：檢測重金屬（鉛、鎘）、農藥殘餘、添加劑、防腐劑。

• 微生物測試：檢查致病菌如沙門氏菌、大腸桿菌、李斯特菌。

• 營養標籤驗證：確保標示與實際含量一致。

• 輻射測試：檢測進口食品是否受輻射污染。

這些測試採用國際標準及高靈敏度儀器，如液相色譜儀（LC）、質譜儀（MS），確保結果準確可靠。

為什麼要做食物測試？📢

• 保障公眾健康：及早發現超標或違規食品，防止食源性疾病。

• 提升業界信心：確保供應鏈安全，維護品牌聲譽。

• 支持科學監管：提供數據，制定更精準的食物安全政策。

結語：全民檢測，守護健康🔗

食物安全不只是政府責任，而是全民行動。從選擇食材到烹調習慣，每一步都影響健康。這個冬天，讓我們一起守護餐桌安全！

On 20 November 2025, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) announced that all 164 tested samples of festive sausages passed chemical and nutritional checks. However, CFS warns that these products contain high levels of nitrates and nitrites, which can form carcinogenic nitrosamines. Processed meat is classified by WHO as a Group 1 carcinogen. Sausages are also high in salt and fat—infants should avoid them, and adults should consume in moderation.

Why Do Sausages Need Testing?🌭

Every winter, Chinese sausages and preserved meats dominate festive tables. But did you know? These foods often contain nitrates and nitrites to prevent spoilage and maintain color. Excessive intake can form carcinogenic nitrosamines, and processed meat is classified by WHO as a Group 1 carcinogen.

Did You Know? Hong Kong Has a Total Diet Study📌

The Second Hong Kong Total Diet Study tested 187 food items and found nitrates mainly come from vegetables, while nitrites mostly originate from endogenous conversion. Current intake levels are safe, but long-term high processed food consumption remains a concern.

How Are Food Tests Conducted?🔍

CFS collects around 65,000 samples annually across import, wholesale, and retail stages, performing multiple tests:

• Chemical Tests：Detect heavy metals (lead, cadmium), pesticide residues, additives, and preservatives.

• Microbiological Tests：Check for pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria.

• Nutrition Label Verification：Ensure that the label content matches the actual content.

• Radiological Tests：Detect whether imported food is contaminated with radiation.

These tests follow international standards and use high-sensitivity instruments such as LC and MS to ensure accuracy.

Why Is Food Testing Important?📢

Protect Public Health: Detect non-compliant or excessive levels early to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Boost Industry Confidence: Ensure supply chain safety and maintain brand reputation.

Support Scientific Regulation: Provide data to develop more precise food safety policies.

Conclusion: Public Vigilance, Shared Responsibility🔗

Food safety is not just the government’s responsibility—it’s a shared effort. From choosing ingredients to cooking habits, every step matters. This winter, let’s safeguard our dining tables together!