At present, fresh meat in Hong Kong is supplied by three licensed slaughterhouses namely Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse, Tsuen Wan Slaughterhouse and Cheung Chau Slaughterhouse. The FEHD is responsible for overseeing the smooth operation of these slaughterhouses.

During the year, 43 270 animal health certificates and 27 813 entry permits for local pigs were verified at the slaughterhouses. To help ensure food safety and public health protection, 69 871 samples of urine and tissue were taken from pigs at the slaughterhouses for testing for veterinary drug residues. A total of 1 969 710 pigs, 46 349 cattle and 11 202 goats were slaughtered and examined in the three slaughterhouses. Meat supplied by the slaughterhouses is subject to inspection by health inspectors and only meat fit for human consumption is released for sale.

The Intelligence Unit of the FEHD continued to carry out surveillance and collect evidence to close down illegal slaughterhouses; to track down the sale of chilled meat as fresh meat; and to mount joint operations with the Customs and Excise Department and the Police to tackle meat-smuggling. In 2006, two illegal slaughterhouses were shut down and four large-scale raids on meat-smugglers were mounted, resulting in four arrests and the seizure of 12 tonnes of smuggled meat. Five FPS licences and two market tenancies were cancelled for fraudulently selling chilled meat as fresh meat.