Persons illegally bringing in undercooked game, meat, poultry and eggs will be prosecuted
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According to the Imported Game, Meat, Poultry and Eggs Regulations (Cap. 132AK), all imported game, meat, poultry and eggs, whether for personal use or not, must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by the issuing entity of the place of origin or written permission from the FEHD. Any person bringing the aforesaid regulated foods into Hong Kong from the Mainland must provide a health certificate issued by Mainland Customs along with the goods. Any offender shall be liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months. In 2025, the CFS initiated prosecutions in a total of 2 148 cases, including cases that resulted in custodial sentences.
A spokesman for the CFS said, "Members of the public who illegally bring regulated foods into Hong Kong through any boundary control point will not only face prosecution, but also need to be aware that these foods may be improperly stored during travel, such as at an improper temperature or with unhygienic packaging, which can lead to the growth of pathogenic bacteria and increase food safety and personal health risks." To avoid criminal liability and health risks, the CFS urges members of the public not to illegally bring regulated foods into Hong Kong.
The spokesman stressed that any undercooked game, meat, poultry and eggs, regardless of their form of packaging (including vacuum packed or tinfoil), are all subject to legal regulation. Since blanched meat is not fully cooked, it is also prohibited from being brought into Hong Kong. The CFS will deploy quarantine detector dogs specially trained in detecting meat at various land boundary control points to assist law enforcement officers in carrying out their duties, thereby enhancing interception effectiveness.
The CFS has been striving to safeguard food safety in Hong Kong, and will continue to combat illegal acts through interdepartmental operations at various boundary control points, as well as step up publicity and educational efforts.
Ends/Saturday, October 10, 2026
Issued at HKT 12:30
Issued at HKT 12:30
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