April 21, 2006

Hong Kong's restriction of poultry supplies draws fire from traders

Poultry traders in Hong Kong are incensed by the government's restriction on poultry supplies from the mainland and threatened a boycott Thursday (Apr 20).

Poultry traders asserted that the current limits of 20,000 live poultry a day from the mainland is not enough for the market and they would eventually be run out of business if the restriction continues.

Poultry traders have threatened to stop importing chickens from the Mainland altogether.

The department of Health, Welfare & Food, which is responsible for the poultry import policy, said it is necessary to maintain the current supply at around 20,000 a day and urged traders not to take any dramatic action.

Deputy Secretary of the Department Eddy Chan appealed for their support and understanding with regards to the preventive measures.

He pointed out that Hong Kong needs to adopt a prudent and cautious approach especially since there are still bird flu cases in China, the most recent case being that of a human infection in Hubei Province.