January 16, 2006

Hong Kong chicken imports to double for Lunar New Year 
 

The daily quantity of live mainland chicken imports is expected to double next week to meet Lunar New Year demand, the Health, Welfare & Food Bureau in Hong Kong said.

According to the bureau, imports of live chicken from the Chinese mainland into Hong Kong will rise from 30,000 to 50,000 on Jan 24 and 25 and to 70,000 on Jan 26, 27 and 28. The Lunar New Year falls on Jan 29 this year.  

Live chicken imports will immediately be suspended if any bird flu infections are found among humans or poultry in Guangdong province or Hong Kong. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will monitor the hygiene of live poultry at retail outlets and check for overstocking.