The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (August 15) announced the results of a recently completed targeted food surveillance project on Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat food. All samples passed the test.
 
     The CFS collected a total of 500 samples of ready-to-eat food from different retail outlets, including online retailers, and food factories for testing of Listeria monocytogenes this year. The samples included various types of high-risk food, such as cheese, frozen confections, cold cuts, fruit, salad, sashimi, smoked salmon and other smoked seafood.
 
     "Listeria monocytogenes can be killed under normal cooking temperature. However, unlike other food poisoning bacteria, it can grow slowly at refrigerated temperature as low as 0 degrees Celsius. Therefore, refrigerated ready-to-eat food with a long shelf life (over five days) is a potential high-risk item for listeriosis," a spokesman for the CFS said.
 
     Listeriosis is usually caused by eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Most healthy individuals do not develop symptoms or only have mild symptoms like fever, muscle pain, headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea when infected. However, severe complications such as septicemia, meningitis or even death may occur in newborns, the elderly and those with a weaker immune system. Although infected pregnant women may just experience mild symptoms generally, the infection of Listeria monocytogenes may cause miscarriage, infant death, preterm birth, or severe infection in newborns.
 
     The spokesman reminded the public to maintain good personal and food hygiene to ensure food safety. To reduce the risk of listeriosis, those belonging to the high-risk groups, i.e. pregnant women, infants, the elderly, chronic disease patients and those with a weaker immune system, should avoid eating high-risk food, including refrigerated ready-to-eat food with a long shelf life (over five days) (such as smoked salmon, smoked ham and cooked deli meats), cheese made with unpasteurised milk (including soft and semi-soft cheese), and pre-made or prepackaged salads. Moreover, the food trade, such as restaurants, can indicate dishes containing raw or undercooked ingredients on the menus to facilitate consumers to make informed choices.
 
     The CFS will continue to promote food safety education to the public and other stakeholders through various channels to strengthen public knowledge on food safety. The Centre will also enhance communication with the food trade to raise food safety standards.

     â€‹Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 14) mounted an operation against illicit cigarette activities across the territory and seized about 1.4 million suspected illicit cigarettes and about 30 000 suspected illicit heat-not-burn (HNB) products with an estimated market value of about $4 million and a duty potential of about $2.8 million.

     Customs officers inspected a cross-boundary truck declared as carrying assorted goods at a logistics site in Kwai Chung. After inspection, Customs officers found about 1.38 million suspected illicit cigarettes in 115 carton boxes mix-loaded with other goods on board the truck.

     Also, Customs officers detected two cases of suspected illicit cigarettes for storage and distribution. They seized about 20 000 suspected illicit cigarettes at a residential unit in Sheung Shui and found about 30 000 suspected illicit HNB products in a motorcycle in Kwun Tong.

     During the operation, Customs officers arrested three men aged 31 to 46. A cross-boundary truck and a motorcycle suspected to be in connection with the cases were detained.

     Investigation is ongoing.

     Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

     Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

    

     The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Housing Authority:
 
     Ballots were drawn openly today (August 15) for the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA)'s Sale of Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) Flats 2019 (HOS 2019) and White Form Secondary Market Scheme (WSM) 2019 (WSM 2019). The Chairman of the HA Subsidised Housing Committee, Mr Stanley Wong, officiated at the ballot drawings.
 
     “During the application period, the HA received a total of around 310 000 applications for HOS 2019 (comprising around 260 000 White Forms and around 50 000 Green Forms) and around 130 000 applications for WSM 2019, out of which around 200 000 for HOS 2019 and around 100 000 for WSM 2019 were received through on-line e-submission,” a spokesman for the HA said.
 
     The open ballots conducted today will determine the applicants' priority sequence for HOS 2019 and WSM 2019 based on the last two digits of their application numbers. The order of priority of the applications within individual application categories, for those who hold the same drawn digits from the ballots, will be randomly generated by computer. The HA will invite White Form applicants and Green Form applicants holding valid Green Form Certificate to submit the income and asset declaration form and supporting documents within a specified period for detailed vetting according to this randomly generated order to ascertain whether individual applicants meet the eligibility criteria for HOS 2019 and/or WSM 2019 and the final priority for flat selection of eligible HOS applicants.
 
     A total of 4 871 flats in six new HOS developments, namely Kwun Tak Court in Ho Man Tin, Hoi Tak Court in Cheung Sha Wan, Sheung Man Court in Kwai Chung, Yung Ming Court in Tseung Kwan O, Kam Fai Court in Ma On Shan and Yuk Wo Court in Sha Tin, have been put up for sale under HOS 2019. The saleable areas of the flats range from 25.6 square metres to 52.8 square metres. By applying a discount of 41 per cent to the assessed market values, the selling prices (59 per cent of assessed market value) of the flats range from around $1.56 million to $5.29 million. In addition, a total of 33 rescinded flats arising from cancellation of the Agreements for Sale and Purchase from five HOS developments, namely Ka Shun Court in Sha Tin, Ping Yan Court in Yuen Long, Ngan Wai Court and Ngan Ho Court in Mui Wo and Choi Hing Court in Kwun Tong, will also be put up for resale under HOS 2019. The saleable areas of these flats range from 34.4 square metres to 53.0 square metres. By applying a discount of 41 per cent to the assessed market values, the selling prices (59 per cent of assessed market value) of these rescinded flats range from around $1.60 million to $3.58 million.
 
     "The HA expects that eligible applicants of HOS 2019 will be invited in batches to select HOS flats at the office of the HOS Sales Unit in Lok Fu starting from November this year," the spokesman said.
 
     Sales brochures covering full details of the HOS developments and price lists will be made available for collection by the public and prospective purchasers at the HA Customer Service Centre (HACSC) in Lok Fu seven days before commencement of HOS flat selection. In addition, electronic copies of these documents will be uploaded to the designated websites for the HOS developments at the same time.
 
     Building models and doll houses of the six new HOS developments will be displayed and panels/associated documents/drawings of the six new HOS developments and the five HOS developments with rescinded flats will be exhibited at the HACSC for viewing by the public seven days before commencement up to the end of the flat selection.
 
     The WSM 2019 provides a quota of 3 000 for applicants to purchase subsidised sale flats with premium not yet paid in the HA's HOS Secondary Market or in the Hong Kong Housing Society (HS)'s Flat-for-Sale-Scheme Secondary Market.
 
     "The HA expects that WSM 2019 approval letters will be sent to successful applicants in December 2019 for them to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility to Purchase (CEP) within four weeks from the issue date of the approval letters. The CEP is valid for 12 months from the issue date and the holder is entitled to purchase a subsidised sale flat with premium not yet paid within the validity period," the spokesman said.
 
     The ballot results for the HOS 2019 and WSM 2019 have been uploaded to the dedicated webpages on the HA/Housing Department website (hos.housingauthority.gov.hk/mini-site/hos2019/en/ballot-results.html and
www.housingauthority.gov.hk/mini-site/wsm2019/en/ballot-results.html) respectively. The randomly generated order of all applications will be uploaded to the webpages tomorrow (August 16). It will also be displayed at the HACSC in Lok Fu, the estate offices and District Tenancy Management Offices of the HA, the estate offices of the HS, the Home Affairs Enquiry Centres of the Home Affairs Department and the Sham Shui Po Housing Information Centre from tomorrow. Applicants may also call the HA Sales and WSM hotline 2712 8000 for enquiries.

    

     The Government announced today (August 15) the following senior appointments:
 
(a) Ms Michelle Li Mei-sheung, Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, will take up the post of Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services) on September 10, 2019. She will succeed Mr Andrew Wong Ho-yuen, who will commence his pre-retirement leave;
 
(b) Miss Cathy Chu Man-ling, Director of Information Services, will take up the post of Postmaster General on September 9, 2019;
 
(c) Mr Vincent Liu Ming-kwong, Government Property Administrator, will take up the post of Director of Leisure and Cultural Services on October 4, 2019;
 
(d) Mr Rex Chang Wai-yuen, Deputy Secretary for Education, will take up the post of Director of Information Services on August 29, 2019; and
 
(e) Ms Shirley Lam Shuet-lai, Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, will take up the post of Permanent Secretary, Chief Executive's Office on September 2, 2019.
 
     The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, said, "The five appointees are seasoned Administrative Officers with proven leadership and management skills. I have every confidence that they will serve the community with professionalism in their new capacities."
                  
     On the retirement of Mr Wong, Mr Law said, "Mr Wong has rendered 37 years of loyal and dedicated service to the community of Hong Kong. During his tenure as Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services), Mr Wong sought to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre, premier asset and wealth management centre and offshore RMB centre. He also led the Financial Services Branch to drive, facilitate and co-ordinate initiatives to ensure financial stability, promote market development and enhance protection for investors in the face of global needs and local circumstances. I wish him a fulfilling and happy retirement."

     Brief biographical notes of the six officers are set out below:
          
Mr Andrew Wong Ho-yuen
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     Mr Wong joined the Administrative Service in August 1982 and rose to the rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade A1 in September 2006. He has served in various bureaux and departments, including the former City and New Territories Administration, the former Office of Unofficial Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils, the former Education and Manpower Branch, the former Trade Department, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Geneva, the former Chief Secretary's Office, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels, the Chief Secretary for Administration's Office and the Chief Executive's Office. He served as Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service from February 2006 to December 2010, Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Commerce, Industry and Tourism) from January 2011 to December 2014 and has been serving as Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services) since December 2014.
 
Ms Michelle Li Mei-sheung
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     Miss Li joined the Administrative Service in September 1988 and rose to the rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade A in April 2016. She has served in various bureaux and departments, including the Transport Department, the former City and New Territories Administration, the former Finance Branch, the former Central Policy Unit, the former Education and Manpower Branch, the Chief Secretary for Administration's Office, the Home Affairs Department and the Home Affairs Bureau. She served as Secretary General of the Joint Secretariat for the Advisory Bodies on Civil Service and Judicial Salaries and Conditions of Service from February 2005 to September 2009, Deputy Secretary for Education from September 2009 to July 2014 and has been serving as Director of Leisure and Cultural Services since July 2014.
 
Miss Cathy Chu Man-ling
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     Miss Chu joined the Administrative Service in June 1988 and rose to the rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade A in April 2017. She has served in various bureaux and departments, including the former Education and Manpower Branch, the former Health and Welfare Branch, the former City and New Territories Administration, the former Trade Department, the former Security Branch, the Information Services Department, the former Environment, Transport and Works Bureau, the Home Affairs Bureau and the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau. She served as Director, Office of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in Beijing from July 2012 to November 2014, Commissioner for Tourism from December 2014 to February 2018 and has been serving as Director of Information Services since February 2018.
 
Mr Vincent Liu Ming-kwong
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     Mr Liu joined the Administrative Service in July 1987 and rose to the rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade B1 in April 2015. He has served in various bureaux and departments, including the former Municipal Services Branch, the former City and New Territories Administration, the former Education and Manpower Branch, the former Chief Secretary's Office, the Civil Service Bureau, the former Health, Welfare and Food Bureau, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Home Affairs Bureau and the former Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority. He served as Deputy Director-General of Communications (Broadcasting) from April 2012 to March 2014, Deputy Secretary for the Environment from March 2014 to January 2019 and has been serving as Government Property Administrator since January 2019.
 
Mr Rex Chang Wai-yuen
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     Mr Chang joined the Administrative Service in July 1989 and rose to the rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade B1 in April 2017. He has served in various bureaux and departments, including the former City and New Territories Administration, the former Security Branch, the former Finance Branch, the former Information Technology and Broadcasting Bureau, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore, the Trade and Industry Department and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong. He served as Deputy Secretary for Development (Planning and Lands) from August 2011 to July 2015, Director, Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office (Taiwan) from August 2015 to July 2018 and has been serving as Deputy Secretary for Education since July 2018.
 
Ms Shirley Lam Shuet-lai
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     Ms Lam joined the Administrative Service in August 1990 and rose to the rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade B1 in April 2017. She has served in various bureaux and departments, including the former Transport Branch, the former City and New Territories Administration, the former Regional Services Department, the former Planning, Environment and Lands Branch, the former Transport Bureau, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels and the Food and Health Bureau. She served as Deputy Secretary for the Civil Service from October 2010 to May 2013, Deputy Director of Marine from May 2013 to September 2015 and has been serving as Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union since October 2015.

            

     Three illegal workers comprising a Nigerian and two Vietnamese were jailed by Shatin Magistrates' Courts on August 14.

     During operation "Twilight" on August 12, Immigration Department (ImmD) investigators raided three restaurants in Chai Wan and Causeway Bay. A female Vietnamese, a male Vietnamese and a male Nigerian, aged 34 to 46, were arrested. When intercepted they were working as a waitress, a cleaning worker and a dish-washing worker respectively. Upon identity checking, the male Nigerian produced for inspection a recognisance form issued by the ImmD, which prohibits him from taking employment. Further investigation revealed that he was a non-refoulement claimant. Four employers suspected of employing the illegal workers were also arrested and investigation is ongoing.

     The three illegal workers were charged at Shatin Magistrates' Courts yesterday with taking employment after landing in Hong Kong unlawfully and remaining in Hong Kong without the authority of the Director of Immigration or while being a person in respect of whom a removal order or deportation order was in force. They pleaded guilty to the charge and were sentenced to 15 months' imprisonment. Meanwhile, one of them was also charged with one count of using a forged Hong Kong identity card. He was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment. All sentences are to run concurrently, making a total of 15 months' imprisonment.

     The ImmD spokesman warned that, as stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, illegal immigrants or people who are the subject of a removal order or a deportation order are prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining in any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years' imprisonment. The Court of Appeal has issued a guideline ruling that a sentence of 15 months' imprisonment should be applied in such cases. Under the prevailing laws, it is an offence to use or possess a forged Hong Kong identity card or a Hong Kong identity card related to another person. Offenders are liable to prosecution and a maximum penalty of a $100,000 fine and up to 10 years' imprisonment.
       
     The spokesman reiterated that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. The maximum penalty is imprisonment for three years and a fine of $350,000. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence. According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee's identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker's valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. The maximum penalty for failing to inspect such a document is imprisonment for one year and a fine of $150,000.

     Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) victims. When any TIP indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP elements, such as threat and coercion in the recruitment phase, and the nature of exploitation. Identified TIP victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter, temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP victims to report crimes to the relevant departments.