CFS continues to follow up on beef samples found to contain sulphur dioxide
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (June 12) that subsequent to an earlier announcement that two beef samples collected from a licensed food factory in North District were found to contain sulphur dioxide, the CFS collected additional beef samples for follow-up investigation at the same food factory before it stopped sale of the products concerned and disposed of the raw materials as instructed by the CFS. The results revealed that two beef samples were found to contain sulphur dioxide, contravening the provisions on preservative of the Preservatives in Food Regulation (Cap. 132BD) (the Regulation). The CFS is following up on the incident. The food factory concerned continues to suspend its business.
A spokesman for the CFS said, "When the CFS followed up on the relevant case earlier, two beef samples collected from the food factory before it stopped sales of the products concerned and disposed of the raw materials were found to contain sulphur dioxide at levels of 1 200 parts per million (ppm) and 4 800 ppm respectively."
The CFS has informed the food factory concerned of the irregularities. Upon the CFS's earlier instruction, the person-in-charge of the food factory has already stopped the sale of the products concerned and disposed of the relevant raw materials on the same day after sampling by the CFS. The relevant raw materials had not been released to the market.
According to the Regulation, contravening relevant provisions on preservatives is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment.
Sulphur dioxide is a preservative which can be used in a variety of foods including dried vegetables, dried fruits, pickled vegetables and salted fish products, but under the Regulation it is not permitted in fresh or chilled meat. Individual meat traders have been found illegally using sulphur dioxide to make meat look fresher. Sulphur dioxide is water-soluble, and most of it can be removed through washing and cooking. However, susceptible individuals who are allergic to this preservative may experience breathing difficulties, headaches and nausea after consumption.
The CFS will continue to follow up on the incidents and take appropriate action. Prosecution will be instituted for the violation of the Regulation. The investigation is ongoing.
Source: AI-found images
Panel of Advisors to Committee on Education, Technology and Talents convenes third engagement session
The Committee on Education, Technology and Talents (CETT), chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, held the third engagement session with the Panel of Advisors to the CETT today (June 12) to gather views from the Panel of Advisors on the formulation of Hong Kong's first five-year plan.
This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. The Hong Kong Government will proactively align with the vast opportunities brought by the National 15th Five-Year Plan, and draw up Hong Kong's first five-year plan at full speed. At the engagement session, the Panel of Advisors pointed out that a forward-looking and strategic medium-to-long-term plan could further strengthen policy synergy, driving the integration of education, technology, and talent, and facilitating Hong Kong's better integration into and service of the overall national development.
During the engagement session, the Panelof Advisorsput forward various suggestions regarding the development of innovation and technology (I&T), education and talent in the five-year plan. The Panel of Advisors supported the Government in accelerating the development of the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone and the San Tin Technopole. The Panel of Advisors also recommended attracting more quality technology enterprises from the Chinese Mainland and overseas to establish a presence in the parks. This would create a cluster effect, conducive to building a comprehensive I&T industry chain for providing development opportunities for incoming and local I&T talent.
The Panel of Advisors fully recognised that the current-term Government has achieved significant success in its talent initiatives. It supported the Government's continued efforts to expand Hong Kong's talent pool through local training and recruiting global elites, while seizing the opportunities brought about by technological advancements at the same time, strengthening the professional development of teachers, enhancing the effectiveness of nurturing local talent to inject new impetus into Hong Kong's high-quality development continually. Participants of the meeting also attached great importance to nurturing diversified talent to meet the needs of Hong Kong's economic and I&T development, and exchanged views on the development strategies for Vocational and Professional Education and Training, as well as that for skills training. The Panel of Advisors also explored the development of local industries, education, and the labour market in response to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence technology.
Mr Chan expressed gratitude for the valuable suggestions raised during the engagement session, which would provide an important reference for the Government in formulating the five-year plan more comprehensively. Mr Chan also briefed the Panel of Advisors on the insights gained by the Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town during its earlier visits to the Mainland, Korea, Germany and Switzerland to study local higher education and I&T infrastructure. CETT will continue to maintain close communication and co-operation with the Panelof Advisors to formulate strategies for developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre and international hub for high-calibre talent.
The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun; the Under Secretary for Education, Dr Jeff Sze; Permanent Secretaries or representatives of the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, Education Bureau and Labour and Welfare Bureau attended the engagement session today.
Panel of Advisors to Committee on Education, Technology and Talents convenes third engagement session Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Panel of Advisors to Committee on Education, Technology and Talents convenes third engagement session Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
