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The daily quantity of live chicken imports from the Mainland would be increased by 10,000 for three days to meet the expected surge in demand for live chickens with the advent of Tuen Ng Festival, a Health, Welfare and Food Bureau spokesman said today (June 16).

The daily live chicken imports will be increased from the current level of about 30,000 to about 40,000 between June 18 and 20 inclusive.

The spokesman said: "In view of the traditional Chinese festival during which local demand for live chickens is normally higher, we have reviewed the situation and agreed with the Mainland authorities that the quantity of live chicken imports could be suitably increased before the festival to cater for the increased demand.

"We have reached a consensus to step up the inspection and quarantine measures during this period as well as increase our laboratory capacity to make sure that the live chickens imported to Hong Kong are healthy for consumption.

"However, to ensure the hygienic standard of markets, the daily imports of live chickens will be maintained at the current level of about 30,000 after the three-day period," he said.

As for the resumption of day-old chick imports to Hong Kong, the spokesman said all the necessary arrangements for resumption of import had been made. These included agreement with the Mainland on the new inspection and quarantine arrangements and the inspection of the five registered Mainland farms supplying day-old chicks to Hong Kong.

"We have made good progress in our communications with the Mainland authorities and we expect the importation of day-old chicks could resume before the end of this month," he said.

Ends/Wednesday, June 16, 2004

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