In a blitz operation today (September 7), the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) raided licensed fresh provision shops (FPS) at Kowloon City Road and Lok Shan Road, To Kwa Wan, suspected of selling chilled meat as fresh meat.

     FEHD officers marked and sealed about 270 kilograms of suspected chilled pork at two licensed FPSs for further investigation. Prosecution will be initiated if sufficient evidence is collected. In addition, FEHD officers have issued verbal warnings to the two FPSs for non-compliance with the relevant licensing condition. During the operation, the FEHD also initiated prosecutions against the licensees of three licensed FPSs for suspected violations of the Food Business Regulation regarding cleanliness of premises and placing of open food.

     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, if FPSs are found in breach of the licensing condition for the sale of chilled meat as fresh meat, the department will consider cancellation of the relevant FPS's licence."

Ends/Tuesday, September 7, 2021
Issued at HKT 17:30

NNNN