The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has long been committed to combating the sale of chilled or frozen meat disguised as fresh meat. The FEHD today (November 5) conducted a raid on a licensed fresh provision shop (FPS) in Yuen Long District, suspecting it of such malpractices.
During the raid at Tin Shing Market in Tin Shui Wai, FEHD officers marked and sealed about 121 kilograms of suspected frozen beef and about 167kg of prepackaged frozen beef for further investigation. A beef sample was also collected for detection of preservatives. Prosecution will follow if sufficient evidence is found. The licensee of the FPS is suspected of breaching the licensing condition for the display and sale of frozen meat as fresh meat, and the FEHD is proceeding with the cancellation of the FPS's licence.
Moreover, FEHD officers issued a verbal warning to the FPS operator for failing to provide delivery notes for inspection, which is a licensing condition.
A spokesman for the FEHD said, "The selling of chilled or frozen meat disguised as fresh meat breaches the licensing conditions and poses food safety risks. Such operations are unfair to other compliant businesses."
The spokesman added, "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 if convicted. The FEHD will continue regular inspections at licensed FPSs and market meat stalls, and handle complaints actively. In detecting any irregularities, the department will carry out investigations promptly and take appropriate enforcement action. In addition, the FEHD also proactively investigates suspected violations from time to time, and conducts surprise inspections and enforcement actions as necessary. Prosecutions will be initiated and follow-up actions will be taken against breaches of licensing conditions or tenancy agreements if sufficient evidence is found. The licences of those FPSs breaching the licensing conditions may be cancelled, while the tenancies of market meat stalls breaching tenancy agreements may be terminated."
The spokesman emphasised the FEHD's deep concern and strong commitment to combating the sale of chilled or frozen meat disguised as fresh meat through stringent enforcement actions.
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