CFS reminds public not to illegally import regulated food as Chinese New Year approaches
With the Chinese New Year approaching, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (February 13) reminded members of the public not to illegally bring regulated food, such as raw meat, poultry and eggs, from the Mainland or overseas into Hong Kong.
According to the Imported Game, Meat, Poultry and Eggs Regulations (Cap. 132AK), each consignment of imported game, meat, poultry and eggs, whether for personal use or not, must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by the issuing entity of the place of origin or written permission from the FEHD. Regulated food entering Hong Kong from the Mainland must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by Mainland Customs to prove that the food is from registered processing plants for supplying to Hong Kong recognised by the Mainland regulatory authority. Any offender shall be liable on conviction to a fine of $50,000 and to imprisonment for six months.
CFS officers will distribute leaflets at different boundary control points before and during the holiday to remind inbound travellers and the public to abide by the relevant regulations.
A spokesman for the CFS said, "Members of the public who illegally bring regulated food into Hong Kong will not only be prosecuted, but also need to be aware that these foods may be improperly stored during travel, such as at an improper temperature or unhygienic packaging, leading to the growth of pathogenic bacteria and increased food safety and personal health risks." To avoid criminal liability and health risks, the CFS urged members of the public not to import regulated food illegally without a recognised health certificate, written permission from the FEHD or an import licence for the sake of convenience.
The spokesman said that meat and egg products not fully cooked and raw meat products in any forms of packaging (including vacuum packed or tinfoil) are all subject to the control of relevant regulations.
The CFS has been striving to safeguard food safety in Hong Kong, and will continue to step up enforcement, publicity and education work with the relevant departments at various boundary control points.
CFS reminds public not to illegally import regulated food as Chinese New Year approaches Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CFS reminds public not to illegally import regulated food as Chinese New Year approaches Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
