Two men given jail sentences for illegal import of meat and poultry products
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     Two men were sentenced to one month's imprisonment suspended for 12 months by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (March 29) for importation of meat and poultry products without health certificates into Hong Kong.
 
     A spokesman for the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said, "In the case concerned, the CFS was informed by the Customs and Excise Department in October last year that Customs officers had intercepted an inbound goods vehicle at Man Kam To Control Point and found a consignment of fresh meat and poultry products, including pork, beef, duck and goose liver, suspected to be illegally imported. The case was referred to the FEHD for follow-up. The FEHD's investigation confirmed that the products concerned were imported without the required health certificates. The two men, aged 51 and 54, were then summonsed by the FEHD."
 
     According to the Imported Game, Meat, Poultry and Eggs Regulations (Cap 132AK), any person who imports game, meat, poultry or eggs should produce a health certificate issued by an issuing entity from the place of origin or obtain prior permission in writing from the FEHD. Offenders are liable on conviction to a fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment.
 
     "As meat and poultry products from dubious sources have not been tested, they may pose health risks to the public. The CFS and relevant departments will continue to step up surveillance and deter the illegal import of meat and poultry into Hong Kong to safeguard food safety and public health," the spokesman said.
 
     The spokesman reminded the trade to comply with the law and not to import or sell meat and poultry products from dubious sources and without health certificates. Members of the public should purchase meat and poultry products from licensed and reputable vendors.

Ends/Thursday, March 29, 2018
Issued at HKT 18:50

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