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 department yesterday (March 19) and today (March 20) conducted raids on two licensed fresh provision shops (FPSs) in Kwai Tsing District and Sai Kung District, suspecting such malpractices.
During the operations, FEHD officers raided two licensed FPSs at Kwai Shing Circuit in Kwai Chung and Tong Ming Street in Tseung Kwan O, seized and immediately destroyed about 180 kilograms of suspected frozen beef. In addition, FEHD officers marked and sealed about 123kg of prepackaged frozen beef for further investigation. Beef samples were also collected for detection of preservatives, and prosecutions will be initiated should there be sufficient evidence. The licensees of the FPSs are suspected of breaching the licensing conditions for the display and sale of frozen meat as fresh meat, and the FEHD is proceeding with the cancellation of the FPS's licences.　　
Verbal warnings were also given to the licensees 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 on conviction. The FEHD will continue to conduct regular inspections at licensed FPSs and market meat stalls, and will deal with the complaints promptly. 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. If there is sufficient evidence, prosecutions will be initiated and follow-up action will be taken against breaches of licensing conditions or tenancy agreements. The licences of those FPSs breaching 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.
Follow this news feed: East Asia