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A man was fined $20,000 and sentenced to two months' imprisonment, suspended for three years, by Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts today (June 15) for selling fresh beef added with sulphur dioxide.
The prosecution was taken out following an operation on January 5 this year by Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) officers against a fresh provision shop at stall no. H20, ground floor, Hau Tak Market, Tseung Kwan O.
"Under the Preservatives in Food Regulation, sulphur dioxide is a permitted preservative in foods such as preserved fruits and fruit juices, but should not be added to fresh, chilled or frozen meat. The maximum penalty is a fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment," an FEHD spokesman said.
The spokesman urged meat traders not to use non-permitted food additives.
"The department will continue to closely monitor the sale of meat at the retail level and take enforcement action to safeguard food safety and public health," the spokesman added.
Ends/Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:34
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