A Government spokesman announced today (March 1) that the supply of fresh food from the Mainland yesterday (February 28) largely returned to the normal level.
According to the latest information, about 2 100 tonnes of vegetables were supplied from the Mainland to Hong Kong yesterday (as at midnight) by land and water transportation, accounting for nearly 90 per cent of the average daily vegetables supply from the Mainland of the previous year. The volume of vegetables sold through the wholesale markets of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and the Vegetable Marketing Organization yesterday was about 754 tonnes. The overall supply of vegetables is stable and wholesale prices of vegetables continue to drop. The supply of eggs to wholesale market is abundant, with the average daily supply standing at about 4 million for the past week.
The total supply of chilled meat from the Mainland yesterday was maintained at a level higher than a normal day, which was about 140 per cent of Hong Kong's daily average supply from the Mainland, while the supply of chilled poultry was around 70 per cent of that of a normal day. As for the supply of live pigs, the Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse remains closed while the Tsuen Wan Slaughterhouse has reopened and provided limited slaughtering service after thorough cleaning and disinfection in view of the epidemic situation.
Regarding the rice supply, in compliance with the requirement of the Government, stockholders of rice have to maintain the reserve stock of rice at a level sufficient for consumption by the local population for 15 days. The trade generally stocks double the required amount, which is sufficient for one month's consumption by Hong Kong citizens. Suppliers will also generally reserve for around three months' stock of food that can be stored, such as frozen food.
The Government continues to closely monitor the food supply situation, and liaise with major food suppliers and the Mainland authorities to ensure a stable food supply.
The AFCD updates and publishes the fresh food supply information daily. Members of the public may visit the AFCD website for updates on daily supplies and wholesale prices of fresh food (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/agriculture/agr_fresh/agr_fresh.html).
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