Traditional Chinese Simplified Chinese Email this article news.gov.hk
Progress of cleaning up plastic pellets scattered on beaches, at sea and in fish culture zones
*****************************************************

     The Government today (August 30) continued to clean up the plastic pellets scattered on beaches, in fish culture zones and at sea after the typhoon.

Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (as at 4pm today)
Location: Chi Ma Wan, Shap Long San Tsuen, Wang Tong, Ngau Kwu Wan, Silvermine Bay, Cheung Sha Wan, Kau Shat Wan and Sam Pak Wan, Nim Shue Wan and Cheung Sha Lan, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island; Tung Wan and Nam Wan, Peng Chau; Tung Wan, Cheung Chau; Tung O Wan and Shek Pai Wan, Lamma Island; Stanley Bay; and Ham Tin Wan and Tai Long Sai Wan, Sai Kung.
Quantity: 17.9 kilograms

Leisure and Cultural Services Department (as at 4pm today)
Location: Hung Shing Yeh Beach and Lo So Shing Beach.
Quantity: Small amounts (0.5kg)

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) tested 10 marine fish samples today, and revealed that no plastic pellets were detected. Since August 6, the CFS has tested 680 marine fish samples in the wholesale and retail markets of Hong Kong and no plastic pellets were detected. Tests conducted so far have suggested that the pellet incident has not caused an adverse impact on food safety. Although the food safety risk remains low, members of the public should check and clean fish thoroughly and remove all internal organs before cooking. The CFS will continue to closely monitor marine fish sold on the market to ensure food safety.

     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today received reports by mariculturists that trace amounts of plastic pellets were found at Cheung Sha Wan fish culture zone. The pellets have been cleaned up. The AFCD did not receive reports of abnormal fish death at fish culture zones today.

     The Marine Police has reported the presence of plastic pellets at Shek Pai Wan and Tung O Wan, Lamma Island. The relevant departments have deployed manpower for the necessary clean-up action, and will continue to closely monitor the distribution of plastic pellets.

     A Government spokesman said that the Government will continue its inter-departmental monitoring operations. Clean-up action will be carried out as soon as plastic pellets are detected so as to minimise the impact of the incident on the environment, food safety and human health.

Ends/Thursday, August 30, 2012
Issued at HKT 20:18

NNNN

Print this page