FEHD steps up enforcement actions against fresh provision shops with unsatisfactory hygiene conditions and serious rodent infestations
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The FEHD has continued to carry out special operations across all districts between late February and early March, inspecting more than 200 licensed FPSs when pig carcasses were transported by meat delivery vehicles during early morning hours, and is taking stringent enforcement actions against irregularities that increase the risk of rodent infestation, with a view to safeguarding food safety and public health. During the special operations, the FEHD staff issued 47 verbal warnings/advisories and initiated 21 prosecutions against the FPSs concerned.
During special operations on March 4 in Yuen Long District, law enforcement officers discovered that a licensed FPS, named Kai Bo Food Supermarket, breached the licensing conditions for keeping pig carcases outside the premises. The FEHD is proceeding with the cancellation of the FPS's licence.
As well, the FEHD earlier issued an immediate closure order on January 24 under the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance requiring an FPS, located at G/F, 48-50 Lok Shan Road, Kowloon City District, to immediately cease operation and carry out a thorough cleaning towards preventing rodent infestation. It will only be allowed to reopen once the FEHD is satisfied with its hygiene condition. The FPS has repeatedly requested the lifting of the closure order, but as its rodent control measures have remained unsatisfactory. The requests were rejected by the FEHD, and the closure order remains in effect.
The spokesman said that the FEHD will continue to inspect FPSs regularly. To further combat the poor hygiene or serious rodent problems of shops, the department will continue to step up late-night blitz operations across districts. If FPSs are found to be mishandling pig carcasses in ways that lead to rodent infestation, the FEHD will issue immediate closure orders or cancel their licences to protect public health.
Under the relevant regulation, every person engaged in any food business, including FPSs, shall not knowingly suffer or permit in any food premises, the presence of rats, mice or insects; and shall adopt appropriate measures to protect the food from risk of contamination or deterioration. Operators must at all times keep every part of food premises clean, properly maintained, and in good condition. Offenders are liable to prosecution and a maximum fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for three months. All meat delivered to licensed FPSs must be directly delivered into the licensed premises, and at no time be left or kept outside the premises pending further handling or sale; otherwise, it constitutes a breach of licensing conditions and may result in immediate licence cancellation. Furthermore, if the condition of a premises poses an imminent health risk, the FEHD has the authority to issue closure orders and immediately close the premises.
Ends/Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Issued at HKT 11:35
Issued at HKT 11:35
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