FEHD takes stringent enforcement actions against fresh provision shops with unsatisfactory hygiene conditions and causing rodent infestation
A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (February 5) that, as revealed in recent inspections, some fresh provision shops (FPSs) selling fresh meat were in poor hygienic conditions and had improper handling, storage and keeping of fresh meat, posing a higher risk of rodent infestation. Over the past three days (February 2 to 4), the FEHD carried out special operations in various districts across the territory to strengthen inspections of more than 250 licensed FPSs and take stringent enforcement actions against relevant irregularities, with a view to reducing public health risks.
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), Photo source: FB of FEHD
In the special operations, the focuses of the FEHD's inspections included (i) whether the handling, storage and covering of fresh meat and other food meet hygiene requirements; (ii) whether the collection, storage and disposal of refuse, food leftovers and sewage are proper; (iii) whether miscellaneous articles, utensils or goods are improperly placed in rear lanes and back-up areas of the premises, which could create hiding places for rodents; (iv) whether there are structural defects in the premises (such as holes, gaps, or breaks in sewer pipes) that ease the entry and exit of rodents; (v) whether the premises have prepared and implemented effective pest control measures; and (vi) whether the overall hygienic condition of the premises complies with standards. Against irregularities in the aforesaid areas, the FEHD staff initiated 47 prosecutions and issued 101 verbal warnings/advice against the FPSs concerned.
The spokesman pointed out that business operators' failure to properly manage food premises and pay attention to the aforesaid areas will provide food sources and hiding places for rodents, posing a higher risk of rodent infestation, causing environmental hygiene problems and constituting threats to food safety.
The spokesman stressed that the FEHD will continue to step up inspections across all districts and take stringent enforcement actions against irregularities in accordance with the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132) and its subsidiary legislation.
FEHD takes stringent enforcement actions against fresh provision shops with unsatisfactory hygiene conditions and causing rodent infestation. Photo source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
DH responds to Ombudsman's direct investigation operation report
Regarding the report on the direct investigation operation released by the Office of The Ombudsman today (February 5) on the "effectiveness of administrative support provided for complaint handling by Secretariat of Medical Council of Hong Kong (MCHK) under Department of Health (DH), and DH's regulatory role", the DH responds as follows:
The Government appreciates the Ombudsman's attention to the work of the MCHK and its valuable suggestions. The Government accepts and will actively follow up on the recommendations in the report, striving to assist the MCHK in optimising its complaint-handling mechanism, enhancing operational efficiency, and improving service quality.
The MCHK is a statutory body established under the Medical Registration Ordinance (MRO) (Cap. 161) to handle matters relating to the professional development of medical practitioners, maintain healthcare standards and protect patients in accordance with the powers conferred by legislation. The DH has consistently provided the MCHK with Secretariat staff or other resources to support the MCHK in fulfilling its duties under the MRO and relevant subsidiary legislation.
In its report, the Ombudsman expressed concerns about the MCHK's current mechanism and the progress in complaint handling, and put forward a number of recommendations for improvement, some of which will involve legislative amendments. In this regard, the Health Bureau had previously indicated that it would propose amendments to the MRO in response to the report submitted by the MCHK and its operational needs in order to ensure that the mechanism keeps pace with the times and meets the needs of society.
Regarding other recommendations made by the Ombudsman concerning the administrative arrangements of the MCHK and its Secretariat, the DH will invite the MCHK to review and refine the existing arrangements based on the Ombudsman's recommendations. Furthermore, the DH will strengthen communication with the MCHK regarding the Secretariat's overall performance of administrative support, staffing and resource requirements, as well as performance management of Secretariat staff to enhance the Secretariat's operational efficiency.
The DH stressed that the medical professioninHong Konghave all along upheld the principle of professional autonomy. The Government will assist the MCHK in discharging its statutory duties through legislative amendments, and other administrative and resource support, thereby further enhancing the professional standards and conduct of doctors to safeguard the interests of public and patients.
Source: AI-found images
