Warning on mooncakes

Some snowy mooncakes contain bacteria that could cause severe food poisoning, according to the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department.

But Dr Ho Yuk-yin, a department consultant, said overall hygiene standards during production of the Mid-Autumn Festival treats were improving.

The department examined 107 snowy mooncakes in the past three years and found that four contained strains of salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus.

The affected cakes came from different outlets. 'These pathogens may cause fever, vomiting or diarrhoea,' said Dr Ho.

Twelve others did not meet hygiene standards but were not deemed harmful to health. Snowy mooncakes are normal mooncakes with a sweet white coating.

Officials will distribute guidelines setting out the safe production of snowy moon cakes before the festival.