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Hong Kong Customs today (July 24) reminded people that they faced prosecution if they brought illicit meat into Hong Kong.
About 11.30am today, officers at Man Kam To Control Point seized 22.1kg of fresh meat, worth $442 from the baggage of an arriving mainland woman. The meat comprised 6.4kg of mutton, 10.7kg of chicken and 5kg of pork.
In another case at Man Kam To Control Point about 2.30pm yesterday (July 23), Customs officers seized 1.3kg of fresh pork and 0.7kg of fresh chicken, worth about $70, from the baggage of an arriving Hong Kong woman.
The two cases were handed over to the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department for follow-up action.
"Hong Kong Customs has been working closely with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to detect illegal importation of fresh meat and poultry," a Customs spokesman said.
He reminded people to obtain a certificate from the official authority of the exporting country before importing meat or poultry meat into Hong Kong.
Under the Imported Game, Meat and Poultry Regulations of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, it is an offence to bring into Hong Kong any meat and poultry without an official certificate. The maximum penalty is a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
Ends/Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:06
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