April 1, 2004

Hong Kong Authorities To Face Stiff Opposition In Live Chicken Sales Ban

In order to reduce the risk of the spread of bird flu, the Hong Kong government has proposed phasing out live chicken shops, a move set to be vehemently opposed by locals, who like their birds slaughtered fresh.

Radio RTHK reported Thursday that officials want to first introduce stricter hygiene measures in live chicken shops by installing plastic barriers that keep the public away from the birds. Officials would later centralize all slaughtering.

The government plans to discuss the matter at a news conference Friday. Health, Welfare and Food Bureau spokeswoman Sally Kong declined comment ahead of time.

But Kong said the proposal to be unveiled Friday would be subject to change after the public has a chance to respond.

Hong Kong Chinese insist on having food as fresh as possible, and many pick their chickens live in markets, where they're packed in cages awaiting sale. Customers choose a chicken, take a number, and then come back a few minutes later to find the carcass plucked and ready to cook.

Chicken dealers worry that central slaughtering will ruin a business already hit badly by an import ban imposed during the bird flu outbreak.

"This will put all of us out of a job," said Steven Wong, chairman of the Hong Kong Poultry Wholesalers and Retailers Association. "This is unfair to the industry."

Speaking to The Associated Press by telephone, Wong also argued that banning retail sales of live chickens won't eliminate the risk of bird flu.

Hong Kong was hit by a 1997 avian influenza outbreak that killed six people. The government has since taken steps to improve hygiene, including mandatory cleansing of all chicken stalls on a regular schedule.