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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (January 24) reminded all fresh provision shops and market stall operators not to sell fresh and chilled/frozen meat at the same time without FEHD's permission, and not to sell chilled or frozen meat as fresh meat.
Acting on information, FEHD officers this morning raided two fresh provision shops at stall nos. 58 and 60 on ground floor, Tak Tin Market, Kwun Tong, which were suspected of selling mutton without permission. Selling mutton without FEHD¡¦s permission could involve a breach of the Food Business Regulation.
Besides, the above two shops were also suspected of selling chilled mutton as fresh mutton. A total of some 20 kilogrammes of chilled mutton were surrendered. Two men are assisting investigations.
"This could involve a breach of the Food Business Regulation as the shops, with a licence permitting the sale of fresh pork, were allegedly selling chilled mutton as well. The maximum penalty for this offence is a fine of $50,000 and six months¡¦ imprisonment," the spokesman said.
He added that upon conviction, the licence of the fresh provision shops would be cancelled.
The spokesman said the department would continue to closely 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 the department's hotline at 2868 0000," he said.
Ends/Thursday, January 24, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:52
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