FEHD raids fresh provision shop suspected of selling chilled meat as fresh meat 
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     In a blitz operation today (April 29), the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) raided a fresh provision shop (FPS) at Canton Road, Mong Kok, suspected of selling chilled meat as fresh meat.

     During the operation, FEHD officers marked and sealed about 407 kilograms of suspected chilled pork in the shop for further investigation. The licensee of the FPS is assisting the FEHD's investigations for suspected violation of the Food Business Regulation. Prosecution will be taken out if sufficient evidence is collected. During the operation, FEHD officers also initiated prosecution against the shop as storage and preparation of pork in an open space by its staff were found, and a verbal warning was issued to the FPS operator for non-compliance of a relevant licensing condition.

     A spokesman for the FEHD said, "Anyone selling chilled meat without permission commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment on conviction. The department will continue to closely monitor the sale of fresh meat at the retail level and take stringent enforcement action to safeguard food safety and public health. Moreover, the department will consider cancellation of the relevant FPS's licence if any licensed FPS is found selling chilled meat as fresh meat."

Ends/Thursday, April 29, 2021
Issued at HKT 19:08

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