|
At present, fresh meat in Hong Kong is supplied from three privately
operated slaughterhouses: Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse, Tsuen Wan Slaughterhouse
and Cheung Chau Slaughterhouse. The FEHD assumes the role of the managing
authority to monitor and oversee the operation of these slaughterhouses.
During the year, to enhance food safety and public
health protection, 35 978 animal health certificates and
27 639 admission forms for local pigs were verified and 65
667 urine and tissue samples were collected from slaughterhouse
animals for testing for veterinary drug residues. A total of 2 156
864 pigs, 45 318 cattle and 4 267 goats
were slaughtered and examined in the three slaughterhouses. Meat supplied
from slaughterhouses is subject to inspection by health inspectors and
only meat fit for human consumption is released for sale in the market.
Since its formation in January, the department's Intelligence
Unit has achieved encouraging results in cracking down on illegal slaughtering
activities. As a result of covert surveillance, six successful raids were
mounted against such activities, leading to the arrest of six culprits
and the seizure of 1 800 kilograms of pork.
With regard to meat smuggling, staff of the Intelligence
Unit worked jointly with the Customs and Excise Department in conducting
15 large-scale raids, resulting in 15 arrests and the seizure of 38
947 kilograms of smuggled meat. |
