Joint Operation Targets Food Safety Violations in Kwun Tong, Leading to 20 Prosecutions and Fire Safety Enforcement Actions

FEHD and FSD conduct joint inspections and enforcement operation to licensed food factories in industrial buildings

A spokesperson for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (February 13) said that, in relation to hygienic conditions and potential violations of the licensed food factories on upper floors of industrial buildings, a joint operation with the Fire Services Department (FSD) was conducted at noon yesterday (February 12) to strengthen inspections of the food business premises in an industrial building in Kwun Tong District, and to ensure their hygienic conditions and mode of business operation are in compliance with licensing conditions and legal requirements.

During this joint operation, FEHD officers focused on inspecting the overall hygienic conditions and mode of business operation of the licensed food factories and carrying out stringent enforcement actions against any breaches of licensing conditions and illegal operation of restaurant business. During the operation, FEHD officers initiated 20 prosecutions against the incriminated licensed food premises, including 18 prosecutions against food business premises for operating restaurant businesses illegally, one prosecution against possession of restricted food for sale without permission, and one prosecution against dirty equipment in food premises, and issued 24 verbal warnings against breaches of licensing conditions for which the licences will be cancelled if the violations continue.

During the operation, the FSD also deployed multiple units to target the fire safety conditions of the common areas and licensed premises within the building, with a view to eliminating potential fire hazards and ensuring public safety. The FSD personnel identified seven violations of the Fire Services (Fire Hazard Abatement) Regulation (Cap. 95F) in the common areas of the subject building and in some of the licensed food factories respectively. Those violations included obstruction of means of escape, as well as removal of fire service installations or equipment. The FSD has issued six Fire Hazard Abatement Notices regarding the irregularities and will institute one prosecution for obstruction of means of escape. The FSD will continue to work with all parties to promote a fire safety culture and jointly build a safer and more resilient community through a multipronged approach, including enforcement, publicity and interdepartmental collaboration.

A spokesperson stressed that the FEHD will continue to strengthen inspections of food premises across all districts, to ensure the compliance with licensing conditions and legal requirement by the licensees, and will take stringent enforcement actions against contraventions in accordance with the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132) and its subsidiary legislation.

The industrial building, Photo source: reference image

Hospital Authority announces service arrangements of family medicine and Chinese medicine clinics during Lunar New Year holidays

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The Hospital Authority (HA) spokesperson today (February 13) announced that the service efficiency of public hospitals has significantly improved since the implementation of the public healthcare fees and charges reform. Among the 18 Accident & Emergency Departments (A&Es) under the HA, there were 149 974 patient visits in January, showing a significant decrease of nearly 10 per cent compared to the same period last year. Of these, semi-urgent and non-urgent cases accounted for 74 404 visits, representing a substantial decrease of approximately 18.3 per cent compared to the same period last year. The average waiting time for emergency cases has also been reduced from 24 minutes to 20 minutes.

The HA spokesperson said, "Although various measures of the public healthcare fees and charges reform have been implemented and have brought about enhancements in service efficiency at public hospitals, the HA has still made advance preparations for service arrangements during the Lunar New Year holiday period. Starting tomorrow, special measures for the service demand surge will be activated to ensure that public hospitals can provide necessary services to patients during the holiday period and that emergency patients can receive immediate treatment."

The HA has enhanced the family medicine outpatient services. A total of 18 family medicine clinics (FMCs) will provide public holiday FMC services during the Lunar New Year holiday period (February 17 to 19) (see table 1 below). Patients may book an appointment either through the telephone appointment system, the eHealth mobile app or the "Book FMC" function of the HA Go mobile app.

The spokesperson reminded members of the public that the weather has been cold in recent days, and increased activity in influenza and some respiratory pathogens would continue to be observed. They should keep warm as well as stay vigilant about personal and environmental hygiene during the public holiday to avoid spreading diseases. Members of the public who develop respiratory symptoms should wear a mask and seek medical advice promptly.

The spokesperson emphasised that non-emergency patients should avoid using A&E services and seek treatment at FMCs, private doctors or 24-hour outpatient services at private hospitals to reduce pressure on public hospital A&Es. The Health Bureau has collated information on private healthcare facilities, covering 13 private hospitals, more than 34 clinics, and 80 non-profit organisations and private Chinese medicine clinics, which will be in operation during the Lunar New Year holidays across 18 districts in the city. The information (including addresses, phone numbers and operation hours) of the relevant healthcare facilities can be accessed by members of the public via the eHealth website and the "Doctor Search" function of the eHealth mobile app.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson appealed to eligible members of the public, especially high-risk groups, to get vaccinated early for seasonal influenza and COVID-19 to reduce the chance of infection for themselves and their family members, as well as to reduce critical cases and deaths.

Moreover, Chinese Medicine Clinics cum Training and Research Centres (CMCTRs) located in the 18 districts will arrange special sessions to provide government-subsidised Chinese medicine (CM) out-patient services on February 18 and 19 (see table 2 below). Meanwhile, the CM out-patient services will also be enhanced before and after the Lunar New Year holidays to meet public demand (February 16, 20 and 21). Patients may make an appointment either by telephone during service hours, through the eHealth mobile app or through the "18 CM Clinics" mobile app (applicable to patients who have registered for 18 CMCTRs service).

Table 1

FMC service arrangements for the Lunar New Year holidays (February 17 to 19)

Region

FMCs

Address

General Enquiry

Telephone Booking

Hong Kong Island

Aberdeen Jockey Club Family Medicine Clinic

10 Aberdeen Reservoir Road, Aberdeen

2555 0381

3543 5011

Shau Kei Wan Jockey Club Family Medicine Clinic

1/F, 8 Chai Wan Road, Shau Kei Wan

2560 0211

3157 0077

Wan Chai Violet Peel Family Medicine Clinic

LG/F, Tang Shiu Kin Hospital Community Ambulatory Care Centre, 282 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai

3553 3116

3157 0000

*Kennedy Town Jockey Club Family Medicine Clinic

45 Victoria Road, Kennedy Town

2817 3215

3543 5088

Kowloon

Kwun Tong Family Medicine Integrated Centre

UG/F, 60 Hip Wo Street, Kwun Tong

2389 0331

3157 0687

Nam Cheong Family Medicine Clinic

G/F, Treasury Building, 3 Tonkin Street West, Cheung Sha Wan

3742 3876

3543 5795

Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital Family Medicine Clinic

G/F, Out-patient Block, Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital, 118 Shatin Pass Road, Wong Tai Sin

2354 2267

3157 0118

San Po Kong Robert Black Family Medicine Clinic

600 Prince Edward Road East, San Po Kong

2383 3311

3157 0113

Yau Ma Tei Jockey Club Family Medicine Clinic

1/F, 145 Battery Street, Yau Ma Tei

2272 2400

3157 0880

New Territories

Lek Yuen Family Medicine Clinic

G/F, 9 Lek Yuen Street, Sha Tin

2692 8730

3157 0972

North District Family Medicine Integrated Centre

3/F, North District Community Health Centre Building, 3 Wai Wo Street, Sheung Shui

2957 5186

3157 0965

Tai Po Jockey Club Family Medicine Clinic

G/F, 37 Ting Kok Road, Tai Po

2664 2039

3157 0906

Tseung Kwan O (Po Ning Road) Family Medicine Clinic

G/F, 28 Po Ning Road, Tseung Kwan O

2191 1083

3157 0660

Tsuen Wan Lady Trench Family Medicine Clinic

213 Sha Tsui Road, Tsuen Wan

2614 4789

3157 0107

Tuen Mun Family Medicine Clinic

11 Tsing Yin Street, San Hui, Tuen Mun

2452 9111

3543 0886

Yuen Long Jockey Club Family Medicine Clinic

269 Castle Peak Road (Yuen Long), Yuen Long

2443 8511

3543 5007

#Ha Kwai Chung Family Medicine Clinic

77 Lai Cho Road, Kwai Chung

3651 5411

3157 0100

*North Lantau Family Medicine Integrated Centre (North Lantau Hospital)

3/F, North Lantau Hospital,

8 Chung Yan Road, Tung Chung, Lantau

3467 7374

3157 0106

# Will provide clinic services on February 18

* Will provide clinic services on February 19

Service hours: 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm

Table 2

Service arrangements of 18 Chinese Medicine Clinics cum Training and Research Centres for the Lunar New Year holidays (February 18 and 19)

Region

18 CMCTRs

Address

Telephone number for booking/enquiry

Service hours

Hong Kong Island

Tung Wah Group of Hospitals - The University of Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Training and Research Centre (Central & Western District)

1/F, Hawkins Wing and Yeo Wing, Tung Wah Hospital, 12 Po Yan Street, Sheung Wan

2589 4700

February 18

9am - 1pm

February 19

9am - 1pm

Tung Wah Group of Hospitals - The University of Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Training and Research Centre (Eastern District)

Lower 4th Floor, West Wing, Specialist Out-patient Block, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, 3 Lok Man Road, Chai Wan

3197 2000

February 18

9am - 1pm

February 19

9am - 1pm

The Hong Kong Tuberculosis Association - The University of Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Training and Research Centre (Southern District)

2/F, Aberdeen Jockey Club Clinic, 10 Aberdeen Reservoir Road, Aberdeen

2580 8158

February 19

9am - 1pm;

2pm - 5pm

The Hong Kong Tuberculosis Association - The University of Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Training and Research Centre (Wan Chai District)

2/F, Tang Shiu Kin Hospital Community Ambulatory Care Centre, 282 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai

3553 3238

February19

9am - 1pm;

2pm - 5pm

Kowloon

Pok Oi Hospital - Hong Kong Baptist University Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Training and Research Centre (Kowloon City District)

Unit 401-412, Po Man House, Oi Man Estate, Ho Man Tin

2193 7000

February 19

9am - 1pm;

2pm - 5pm

Christian Family Service Centre - The Chinese University of Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Training and Research Centre (Kwun Tong District)

4/F, Ngau Tau Kok Jockey Club Clinic, 60 Ting On Street, Ngau Tau Kok

3583 4114 (Government- subsidised Services)

3107 4113 (General Enquiry)

February 19

9am - 4pm

Yan Chai Hospital - Hong Kong Baptist University Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Training and Research Centre (Sham Shui Po District)

1/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Sham Shui Po

2194 9911

February 18

9am - 1pm

February 19

9am - 1pm

The Hong Kong Buddhist Association - The University of Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Training and Research Centre (Wong Tai Sin District)

G/F & M/F, Block C, Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital, 10 Heng Lam Street, Lok Fu

2338 3103

February 19

9am - 5pm

Pok Oi Hospital - Hong Kong Baptist University Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Training and Research Centre (Yau Tsim Mong District)

9/F, Block R, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30 Gascoigne Road, Jordan

2618 7200

February 19

9am - 1pm;

2pm - 5pm

New Territories

Yan Oi Tong - The University of Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Training and Research Centre (Islands District)

1/F, Block 2, Tung Chung Health Centre, No. 6 Fu Tung Street, Tung Chung, Lantau Island

3188 5383

February 19

8am - 1pm;

2pm - 6pm

Yan Chai Hospital - Hong Kong Baptist University Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Training and Research Centre (Kwai Tsing District)

G/F, Ha Kwai Chung Polyclinic & Special Education Services Centre, 77 Lai Cho Road, Kwai Chung

2370 2216

February 18

9am - 1pm

February 19

9am - 1pm

HKFTU Workers' Medical Clinics - Hong Kong Baptist University Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Training and Research Centre (North District)

7/F, Fanling Health Centre, 2 Pik Fung Road, Fanling

2670 2130

February 19

9am - 1pm;

2pm - 5pm

Haven of Hope - The Chinese University of Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Training and Research Centre (Sai Kung District)

6/F, Ambulatory Care Block, Tseung Kwan O Hospital, No 2 Po Ning Lane, Hang Hau, Tseung Kwan O

2701 1020

February 19

9am - 12.30pm;

2pm - 5.30pm

Pok Oi Hospital - The Chinese University of Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Training and Research Centre (Sha Tin District)

G/F, Sha Tin (Tai Wai) Clinic, 2 Man Lai Road, Tai Wai, Sha Tin

2479 2126

February 18

9am - 1pm;

2pm - 5pm

February 19

9am - 1pm;

2pm - 5pm

United Christian Nethersole Community Health Service - The Chinese University of Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Training and Research Centre (Tai Po District)

G/F, Block J, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, 11 Chuen On Road, Tai Po

2663 0004

February 19

9am - 1pm;

2pm - 6pm

Yan Chai Hospital - Hong Kong Baptist University Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Training and Research Centre (Tsuen Wan District)

4/F, Block C, Yan Chai Hospital, 7-11 Yan Chai Street, Tsuen Wan

2416 0303

February 18

9am - 1pm

February 19

9am - 1pm

Yan Oi Tong - The Chinese University of Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Training and Research Centre (Tuen Mun District)

5/F, Yan Oi Polyclinic, 6 Tuen Lee Street, Tuen Mun

2430 1309

February 18

9am - 1pm;

2pm - 6pm

Pok Oi Hospital - The Chinese University of Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Training and Research Centre (Yuen Long District)

3/F, Madam Yung Fung Shee Health Centre, 26 Sai Ching Street, Yuen Long

2478 5769

February 18

9am - 1pm;

2pm - 5pm

The Hospital Authority (HA), Photo source: reference image