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The Government Laboratory offers a comprehensive range of analytical
and advisory services to support the Government in upholding its various
commitments in the protection of public health.
In 2003, a total of 92 052 tests on a wide range of
food samples were carried out for surveillance and for compliance with
the statutory standards. The scope of analytical services for the testing
of veterinary drug residues in food animal products and live food animals
for surveillance and statutory purposes has been further extended to facilitate
the second phase enforcement of the Public Health (Animals and Birds)
(Chemical Residues) Regulation and Harmful Substances in Food Regulations.
The Laboratory has also continued to participate actively in technological
exchanges with Mainland counterparts with a view to strengthening technical
capabilities in ensuring food safety and protecting public health.
The Laboratory has continued to provide a comprehensive
analytical service to assure the quality of Western and Chinese medicines
that constitute an indispensable part of the health care system. During
the year, 40 129 tests were carried out on Western pharmaceutical products
for compliance with the international or other acceptable standards in
quality and safety; and 58 268 tests were made on proprietary Chinese
medicines and herbal medicines for their heavy metal and pesticide residue
content, and adulteration with Western drugs or controlled substances.
In addition, the Laboratory undertook method development and research
work pertaining to the examination of toxic Chinese herbal medicines and
actively participated in the development of regulatory standards for commonly
used Chinese herbal medicines.
The Laboratory sustained the year-round surveillance
of tar and nicotine yield in cigarettes, with results published for public
information and affirmation of the data declared by tobacco traders. |
