Mainland hairy crabs sold in Hong Kong have received a clean bill of health.
Test results of 21 hairy crab samples collected last month for chemical and microbiological analyses were found to be 'satisfactory', a spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said yesterday.
The chemical tests included heavy metals, hormones and veterinary drug residues, while the microbiological tests covered parasites.
The tests followed a Taiwanese report that a mainland hairy crab sample tested on the island contained the antibiotic chloramphenicol that was 10 times above the safe level. Use of the antibiotic, which can cause liver damage in excessive amounts, is banned in Taiwan.
In Hong Kong, consumers have been advised to buy the delicacy from reputable shops or restaurants. The crustaceans must be kept in a refrigerator and should be cooked and eaten soon after purchase, the department spokesman said.
The spokesman also reminded traders to import only hairy crabs that have government health certificates. 'We understand from a recent visit to Suzhou that stringent checking and inspection measures have been put in place for hairy crabs destined for export,' the spokesman said.
