Inspection of aquatic products imported from Japan
In response to the Japanese Government's plan to discharge nuclear-contaminated water at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Station, the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene issued a Food Safety Order which prohibits all aquatic products, sea salt and seaweeds originating from the 10 metropolis/prefectures, namely Tokyo, Fukushima, Ibaraki, Miyagi, Chiba, Gunma, Tochigi, Niigata, Nagano and Saitama, from being imported into and supplied in Hong Kong.
For other Japanese aquatic products, sea salt and seaweeds that are not prohibited from being imported into Hong Kong, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will conduct comprehensive radiological tests to verify that the radiation levels of these products do not exceed the guideline levels before they are allowed to be supplied in the market.
As the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water is unprecedented and will continue for 30 years or more, the Government will closely monitor and step up the testing arrangements. Should anomalies be detected, the Government does not preclude further tightening the scope of the import ban.
From noon on July 30 to noon today (July 31), the CFS conducted tests on the radiological levels of 271 food samples imported from Japan, which were of the "aquatic and related products, seaweeds and sea salt" category. No sample was found to have exceeded the safety limit. Details can be found on the CFS's thematic website titled "Control Measures on Foods Imported from Japan" (www.cfs.gov.hk/english/programme/programme_rafs/programme_rafs_fc_01_30_Nuclear_Event_and_Food_Safety.html).
In parallel, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has also tested 50 samples of local catch for radiological levels. All the samples passed the tests. Details can be found on the AFCD's website (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/Radiological_testing/Radiological_Test.html).
The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) has also enhanced the environmental monitoring of the local waters. No anomaly has been detected so far. For details, please refer to the HKO's website
(www.hko.gov.hk/en/radiation/monitoring/seawater.html).
From August 24 to noon today, the CFS and the AFCD have conducted tests on the radiological levels of 72 563 samples of food imported from Japan (including 46 629 samples of aquatic and related products, seaweeds and sea salt) and 16 996 samples of local catch respectively. All the samples passed the tests.
Source: AI-generated images
CAS holds Celebrating the National Day and Exploring the Past: Yuen Tun Chung Old House Museum Open Day
The Civil Aid Service (CAS) held the Celebrating the National Day and Exploring the Past: Yuen Tun Chung Old House Museum Open Day at the CAS Yuen Tun Camp today (September 18). The event was officiated by the District Officer (Tsuen Wan), Mr Billy Au, and the Chairman of the Tsuen Wan Rural Committee, Mr Yau Kam-ping.
Located in Yuen Tun Tsuen, Tsing Lung Tau, Tsuen Wan, the history of Chung Old House can be traced back to the 1780s, when the Chung family used to live and farm in the area of Yuen Tun. In 1973, the Yuen Tung site was allocated by the Government to the CAS and has been used for training purposes since then. The Chung Old House was revitalised as a national museum in 1981, and was classified as a Grade 3 historic building in 2010. At present, the Chung Old House still possesses its original architectural features, and retains a collection of agricultural and household artefacts.
In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the CAS held an open day for the public to visit the Chung Old House to deepen their understanding of the local history and reflect on how Chinese culture could be preserved in modern society. More than 200 Tsuen Wan residents, retired CAS members and CAS cadets participated in the event, during which the CAS Volunteer Team provided assistance.
Addressing the event, Mr Au said it is a meaningful occasion for the public not only to celebrate the National Day, but also explore the roots of the nation and learn more about its history and culture so that the tradition can be preserved and thrive. He encouraged the public to preserve and cherish the precious cultural heritage together.
Also speaking at the event, the Chief Staff Officer of the CAS, Mr Leung Kwun-hong, said the CAS Yuen Tun Camp built in 1977 has been a vital training facility and an important cradle for future CAS talent and Hong Kong society. He said that the CAS hopes to promote national spirit through the appreciation of historical buildings and cultural legacies during the Open Day.
CAS holds Celebrating the National Day and Exploring the Past: Yuen Tun Chung Old House Museum Open Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CAS holds Celebrating the National Day and Exploring the Past: Yuen Tun Chung Old House Museum Open Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CAS holds Celebrating the National Day and Exploring the Past: Yuen Tun Chung Old House Museum Open Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CAS holds Celebrating the National Day and Exploring the Past: Yuen Tun Chung Old House Museum Open Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CAS holds Celebrating the National Day and Exploring the Past: Yuen Tun Chung Old House Museum Open Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
