​The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has long been committed to combating the sale of chilled or frozen meat disguised as fresh meat. The department today (May 7) conducted a raid on a licensed fresh provision shop (FPS) in Sha Tin District, suspecting such malpractice.

     During the operation, FEHD officers raided a licensed FPS at Sunshine City Plaza Market in Ma On Shan and seized and immediately destroyed about 196 kilograms of suspected frozen beef. In addition, FEHD officers marked and sealed about 234kg of frozen beef for further investigation. Beef samples were also collected for detection of preservatives, and prosecutions will be initiated should there be sufficient evidence. The licensee of the FPS is suspected of breaching the licensing conditions for the display and sale of frozen meat as fresh meat, and the FEHD is proceeding with the cancellation of the FPS's licence.

     Prosecution was initiated against the licensee of the FPS for defective floor tiles. Verbal warning was also given to the licensee for non-compliance with the relevant licensing condition for failing to provide delivery notes for inspection.

     A spokesman for the FEHD said, "The selling of chilled or frozen meat disguised as fresh meat breaches the licensing conditions and poses food safety risks. Such operations are unfair to other compliant businesses."

     The spokesman added, "Anyone selling chilled 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 FEHD will continue to conduct regular inspections at licensed FPSs and market meat stalls, and will deal with complaints promptly. In detecting any irregularities, the department will carry out investigations promptly and take appropriate enforcement action. 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 breaches of licensing conditions or tenancy agreements. The licences of those FPSs breaching licensing conditions may be cancelled, while the tenancies of market meat stalls breaching tenancy agreements may be terminated." 

     The spokesman emphasised the FEHD's deep concern and strong commitment to combating the sale of chilled or frozen meat disguised as fresh meat through stringent enforcement actions.   

Ends/Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Issued at HKT 18:30

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