Unlicensed fresh provisions shop in Yuen Long raided
****************************************************

    The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) raided an unlicensed fresh provisions shop in Yuen Long during a blitz operation early this morning (September 1).

     Acting on complaints, FEHD officers raided some premises at Ngau Tam Mei, Yuen Long at about 4am. A woman was found slaughtering chickens inside the premises.

     She was subsequently charged for operating an unlicensed fresh provision shop. Eighteen chickens found at the premises were also seized.

     A department spokesman said stringent enforcement action would continue to be taken against unlicensed fresh provision shops to safeguard food safety and public health.

     "Anyone who has information on unlicensed food businesses should immediately call the department's hotline at 2868 0000," he said.

     Under the Food Business Regulation, anyone operating an unlicensed fresh provisions shop is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment, plus a daily fine of $900.

Ends/Thursday, September 1, 2005
Issued at HKT 18:20

NNNN