March 9, 2005

Hong Kong to expect its first batch of pork from mainland China

The first batch of mainland China's chilled pork is expected to enter Hong Kong by the end of March, and a well-established controlling mechanism is in place to ensure it is safe for consumption, Director of Food & Environmental Hygiene Gregory Leung says.

The department will scrutinise the facilities, operation, manufacturing process and the implementation of the hygienic monitoring mechanism of factories providing chilled pork to Hong Kong and their corresponding farms.

Mr Leung told lawmakers today the department will be ready to process applications for importing the first batch of Mainland chilled pork.

According to the State General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection & Quarantine, there is at present no chilled pork being exported from the mainland to other places.

New proposals

For tougher action against unlicensed food businesses, the department proposes:

* Immediate enforcement to be taken against those in charge of the business;

* to refuse applications and impose bans on those convicted.

If the unlicensed business is found to continue operations, the department will apply for closure orders.