FEHD strives to crack down on sale of chilled or frozen meat disguised as fresh meat (with photo)
******************************************************************************************
During the operation, FEHD officers raided a licensed FPS in Kwong Yuen Market, Sha Tin, and marked and sealed about 175 kilograms of fresh and suspected frozen beef for further investigation. A beef sample was collected for testing for preservatives, and prosecution will be commenced if sufficient evidence is collected. The licensee of the FPS is suspected of breaching the licensing condition for the display and sale of frozen meat as fresh meat, and the FEHD is proceeding with the cancellation of the FPS's licence.
FEHD officers also initiated a prosecution against the operator of the FPS for dirtiness at the premises, while a verbal warning was also given for non-compliance with the relevant licensing condition for failing to provide delivery notes for inspection.
An FEHD spokesman said, "Selling of chilled or frozen meat disguised as fresh meat breaches the licensing condition and causes food safety problems. Also, the operation of these profiteers is unfair to other shops that comply with the requirements."
The spokesman added, "Anyone selling chilled meat or frozen 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 conduct regular inspections at licensed FPSs and market meat stalls, and will actively handle the complaints received. In detecting any irregularities, the FEHD will carry out immediate investigations and take appropriate enforcement actions. In addition, the FEHD also proactively investigates suspected violations from time to time, and conducts surprise inspections and enforcement actions as necessary. If there is sufficient evidence, prosecutions will be initiated and follow-up action will be taken against a breach of licensing conditions or tenancy agreements. The licences of FPSs breaching their licensing conditions may be cancelled, while the tenancies of market meat stalls breaching their tenancy agreements may be terminated."
The spokesman stressed that the FEHD is very concerned about the situation, and has been committed to combating the sale of chilled or frozen meat disguised as fresh meat by taking stringent enforcement actions against the violations.
Ends/Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Issued at HKT 15:30
Issued at HKT 15:30
NNNN
Photo
