June 30, 2008

The Hong Kong government has decided to forbid overnight stocking of chickens at retail outlets to protect public health from bird flu.

People permitted by the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene of Hong Kong are allowed to sell live poultry through retail, market stalls and provision shops. However, any live poultry must be slaughtered by 8pm each day, with the presence of live poultry forbidden at the premises from 8pm-5am the next day.

Offenders could have their permission for the sales of live poultry revoked and are subject to a maximum penalty of HKD 50,000 (US$6,410) and six months of imprisonment.

Retailers also have to clean and disinfect their premises every night and adhere to measures such as wearing protective gear. Failure to observe the requirements will lead to the revoking of their licence or tenancy.

The new law will take effect starting from July 2.