Proposed amendments to Sweeteners in Food Regulations
The Government proposes to amend the Sweeteners in Food Regulations (Cap.132U), with a view to better protecting public health and harmonising with international standards. The Environment and Ecology Bureau and the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will first consult the Legislative Council Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene on June 9 (see Annex for the discussion paper) and plan to conduct a public consultation within this year.
Sweeteners are food additives that impart a sweet taste to food in place of sugars. Like other food additives, sweeteners are permitted for use only after stringent safety evaluations that demonstrate they are fit for consumption. When reviewing the Regulations and formulating the proposed amendments, the Government has taken into account the standards established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission and Mainland standards, the dietary habits and intake of the local population, as well as the practices of other major food trading partners of Hong Kong. The proposed amendments are supported by the Expert Committee on Food Safety.
A Government spokesman said, "The proposed amendments mainly include bringing polyhydric alcohols under the regulatory scope, expanding the list of permitted sweeteners and setting maximum permitted levels (MPLs) for different 'sweetener-food' pairs. The CFS has collected food samples from the local market to analyse their sweetener content. Among some 900 tests conducted, about 98 per cent were in compliance with the proposed MPLs. We are confident that the food trade can adapt to the proposed amendments, and propose to provide a transitional period following the completion of the legislative process. The CFS will also conduct technical meetings for the trade and issue user guidelines to facilitate the trade in understanding and complying with the new requirements."
The Government plans to consult the public on the proposed amendments to the Regulations within this year, and will consider the feedback received to prepare the subsidiary legislation to amend the Regulations for tabling at the Legislative Council for scrutiny.
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InvestHK provides new taste of Portugal: pastry brand Manteigaria debuts in Central for city's egg tart devotees
Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced today (June 2) that Manteigaria, the Portuguese bakery brand renowned for its freshly baked Pastéis de Nata (original Portuguese egg tarts), has officially opened its first Hong Kong store in Central. The opening marks a significant milestone in the company's international expansion and reinforces Hong Kong's appeal as a strategic gateway for heritage food and beverage brands seeking entry into the diverse Asian market.
The Acting Director-General of Investment Promotion of InvestHK, Mr Arnold Lau, said, "We welcome Manteigaria to Hong Kong to the delight of our city's passionate egg tart fans. Just as an authentic pastry store can transform a neighbourhood, a vibrant gastronomic scene draws talent and investment to a world-class city. Manteigaria's arrival reinforces Hong Kong's identity as a dynamic crossroads of East and West - a city that appeals to diverse taste buds while serving as a premier destination for global business."
The Chief Executive Officer of Portugália Restauração, the restaurant group that owns Manteigaria, Mr Francisco Carvalho Martins, said, "Hong Kong consumers are curious, cosmopolitan, and uncompromising about taste. Our brand seeks a globally recognised market that values both heritage and innovation, and Hong Kong is exactly that. We see the city as the perfect stage from which to spread the aroma of our original, freshly baked Pastéis de Nata, and a key catalyst for our growth journey in Asia."
Founded in Lisbon, Portugal, in 2014, Manteigaria is part of Portugália Restauração, a restaurant group with over a century of heritage. Today, Manteigaria operates over 20 bakeries across Portugal, France, Macao and Spain. The brand's Portuguese egg tarts are baked fresh daily in an open kitchen using traditional methods perfected in Lisbon, delivering a crisp, buttery pastry with a smooth, velvety custard, often enjoyed with a light sprinkle of cinnamon.
Driven by strong confidence in Hong Kong's vibrant culinary sector, Manteigaria plans to open six locations across the city by the end of 2027. InvestHK has worked closely with Portugalia Restauração and Manteigaria throughout the process, providing go-to-market strategies, local market insights, and access to the city's high-quality supplier network to facilitate its successful launch and continued expansion.
For more information about Manteigaria, please visit www.manteigaria.com.
InvestHK provides new taste of Portugal: pastry brand Manteigaria debuts in Central for city's egg tart devotees Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
InvestHK provides new taste of Portugal: pastry brand Manteigaria debuts in Central for city's egg tart devotees Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
InvestHK provides new taste of Portugal: pastry brand Manteigaria debuts in Central for city's egg tart devotees Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
