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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (December 30) reminded fresh provision shop and market stall operators not to sell any meat other than the permitted categories.
FEHD officers this morning raided three fresh provision shops suspected of selling mutton without permission at ground floor, Shek Lei Shopping Centre, Shek Lei Estate in Kwai Chung. About 40 kilogrammes of mutton were seized.
"The shops, one with permission to sell fresh beef and the other two to sell fresh pork and fresh beef, were allegedly in possession of mutton for sale. This could involve a breach of the Food Business Regulation."
"The maximum penalty for the offence is a fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment," an FEHD spokesman said.
He said the department would continue to monitor the sale of meat at retail level and take enforcement action to safeguard food safety and public health.
"Anyone who has doubts about meat being sold at retail outlets should call 1823 Call Centre," he said.
Ends/Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:39
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