Food Hygiene

The Health Department's Hygiene Division monitors the safety of
imported and locally-produced foods.

In March 1997, the Institute of Pathology confirmed the presence of
E. Coli 0157:H7 in a raw beef sample taken by the Department of Health.
It was the first time this pathogen had been detected in food in Hong
Kong. The two municipal services departments and the Department of
Health took immediate action to seize the contaminated meat. Preventive
measures were implemented at the critical points of sanitary control in the
distribution chain of beef - the abattoirs, transportation process and the
retail outlets - to reduce the risk of further contamination.

In May 1997, 13 local cases of cholera were notified. Prompt control
measures, including step-up of inspection and enforcement action on all
food premises, hawker control and pest control, were implemented.
Publicity and health education on cholera prevention were also intensified
and the outbreak was quickly brought to a halt.

The Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations amended in
February 1996 have largely come into effect. This has strengthened
consumer protection and made local regulations more consistent with
international developments.

Hong Kong maintains close ties with the World Health Organisation, the
Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and other
international food authorities. As the bulk of the local food supply comes
from the Mainland, the Division works closely with Chinese authorities.
Regular meetings are held with officials from the Guangdong and
Shenzhen Commodities Inspection Bureau to promote food safety and
better food hygiene.

To protect the public from poisoning due to consumption of
pesticide-tainted vegetables, around 90 per cent of the vehicles importing
vegetables from the Mainland through the Man Kam To border control
point were inspected. Samples were taken for screening tests and
chemical analysis for detection of pesticides.

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