In a blitz operation today (September 28), the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) raided a licensed fresh provision shop (FPS) at Choi Ming Shopping Centre, Tseung Kwan O, suspected of selling frozen meat as fresh meat.
FEHD officers marked and sealed about 184 kilograms of suspected frozen beef at the licensed FPS for further investigation. Two beef samples were collected for testing for preservative. Prosecution will be initiated if sufficient evidence is collected. During the operation, the FEHD also initiated prosecution against the licensee of the FPS for suspected violation of the Food Business Regulation regarding cleanliness of the food premises and equipment, and issued verbal warnings to the licensee for non-compliance with the relevant licensing condition.
A spokesman for the FEHD said, "Anyone selling chilled or frozen meat without permission commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment on conviction. The department will continue to closely monitor the sale of fresh meat at the retail level and take stringent enforcement action to safeguard food safety and public health. Moreover, if FPSs are found in breach of the licensing condition for the sale of chilled or frozen meat as fresh meat, the department will consider cancellation of their licences."
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