The Food Wise Hong Kong Steering Committee held its 11th meeting today (February 1). Members expressed support for enhancing the promotion of food waste recycling to prepare for the implementation of municipal solid waste (MSW) charging on August 1.
      
     The meeting was chaired by the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong. "At present, about 11 100 tonnes of MSW are generated each day and food waste accounts for about 30 per cent of MSW disposal. To prepare for the implementation of MSW charging, in addition to promoting a food wise and waste less culture, the Environmental Protection Department has been continuously implementing various measures for collecting food waste from commercial and industrial entities as well as domestic sectors. In order to reduce the disposal of food waste at landfills, active participation and co-operation from the public and all sectors in the community are necessary," Miss Wong said. She expressed gratitude to all members for their valuable advice and participation in soliciting support from stakeholders of their trades in this regard.
      
     At the meeting, members examined the latest progress of the Food Wise Hong Kong Campaign and were briefed on the Government's food waste management strategies and their implementation. They also recognised the importance of the Campaign in reducing food waste. Since its launch in 2013, the Campaign has been promoting a "food wise and waste less" culture through carrying out various schemes and activities, such as the "Food Wise Charter" and "Food Wise Eateries", as well as the publicity of the "Big Waster" to encourage behavioural changes of the community to avoid and reduce the generation of food waste at source. With the implementation of MSW charging on August 1 this year, the Steering Committee considered that it is important to collaborate with different sectors of the community in reducing and recycling food waste by enhancing promotion and education. In this connection, the Steering Committee agreed to extend the Campaign for two years, and proposed to launch a series of events to train, support, promote and educate various sectors of the community to encourage and facilitate them to participate in food waste reduction and recycling.
      
     The Steering Committee also expressed that public awareness of the MSW charging is the determining factor of its effectiveness. The Steering Committee supports the Government in continuing to explain the details of the implementation of MSW charging to all sectors and to enhance promotion on support measures in waste reduction and recycling proactively. The members commit to working collaboratively with the Government and will actively promote the MSW charging and food waste recycling to the trade and relevant stakeholders. They will call on their partners to continue providing staunch support in promoting the measures for achieving the vision of "Waste Reduction‧Resources Circulation‧ Zero Landfill" .
      
     The Steering Committee was set up in 2012 and is tasked with formulating and overseeing the implementation strategies of the Campaign, which aims to promote public awareness of food waste problems in Hong Kong, and co-ordinate efforts within the Government and public institutions to lead by example in food waste reduction, as well as encouraging and facilitating the source separation and recycling of unavoidable food waste. The Steering Committee is set up with members drawn from relevant sectors, including catering and hotels, property management, environmental hygiene services, education, advertising, green groups, and relevant government departments. The membership list of the present term of the Steering Committee is at Annex.

    

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, at the media and VIP reception of ComplexCon Hong Kong 2024 today (February 1):

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, 

     I am glad to join this event today to announce the event details of ComplexCon Hong Kong 2024, the first ever ComplexCon Asia edition.

     My Bureau, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, is proud to be a partner to this project, rendering our full support, including funding from the Mega ACE Fund (Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund) which was set up last year to attract international and large-scale arts and cultural events to be held in Hong Kong.

     There will be a series of events at ComplexCon Hong Kong 2024 featuring famous artists, influential designers as well as a lot of world-known brands, bringing to us good entertainment, trendy products as well as good business opportunities, which will certainly help raise Hong Kong's profile as a city for international arts and cultural events.

     Last but not least, I would like to thank the organiser, Complex Chinese, for bringing this iconic cultural World Fair to Hong Kong. I wish the event a great success and all of you having a good time tonight and during ComplexCon Hong Kong.

     The Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (February 1) held a joint press conference to report on the preparation work for coping with the peak travel periods during the Lunar New Year holidays and remind members of the public not to bring prohibited and controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. 
      
     "With the approach of the Lunar New Year, it is expected that many members of the public and travellers will enter or leave Hong Kong through various control points during the holidays. To prepare for the arrival of visitors and cater for the commuting needs of Hong Kong citizens during the Lunar New Year, the C&ED will flexibly deploy manpower with a view to ensuring smooth operation and strengthened passenger clearance at each control point, including provision of round-the-clock Customs clearance service at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point from February 9 to 13 and extending the passenger clearance service at the Lo Wu Control Point on February 9 and 11 to 2am the next day. The C&ED will maintain close liaison with the Mainland Customs and Macao Customs to share the latest real-time situation of each control point, so that necessary co-ordination and arrangements could be made. Also, the Inter-departmental Joint Command Centre, composed of Customs, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Immigration Department and other departments, will be activated during the Lunar New Year holidays to monitor the situation at each land control point and take contingency actions where necessary," the Head of Cross-boundary Bridge Command of Customs, Mr Kenneth Chu, said at the press conference.

     "Envisaging that many members of the public may do festive shopping across the boundary around the Lunar New Year, the C&ED reminds them to pay attention to relevant import and export requirements to avoid bringing in prohibited and controlled items unknowingly and the possible prosecution entailed. This January, the C&ED uncovered 97 cases related to endangered species, with seizures including American ginseng, orchids and dried seahorse. All cases have been handed over to the AFCD for follow-up actions," he added.
      
     Endangered Species Protection Officer of the AFCD Dr Jenny Lau introduced the commonly seized regulated species at the press conference and said, "As some plant and animal species are facing the threat of extinction due to over-exploitation, the import and export of such species are regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), the import, export, re-export or possession of endangered animals and plants, including their parts and/or derivatives, are subject to control under a licensing system."
      
     Dr Lau also noted that more than 400 cases involving endangered species were made in 2023. The specimens involved include American ginseng, orchids (including artificially propagated species such as moth orchid), gastrodia, dendrobium, dried seahorses and scheduled shark species (including shark fins). As the Chinese New Year holidays are approaching, members of the public should pay attention to whether the plant and animal products they intend to buy from places outside Hong Kong are endangered species. As it might not be easy to identify whether those products are originated from endangered species, members of the public are advised not to buy such items if they cannot ascertain whether the items are subject to control.
      
     The AFCD reminded members of the public that any person who contravenes the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited. For information on endangered species, please call 1823 or visit www.cites.hk.
      
     Members of the public are also reminded not to bring manufactured fireworks into Hong Kong. Under the Dangerous Goods Ordinance, any person who conveys such items without a valid licence commits an offence, and offenders are liable to prosecution. In addition, according to the Imported Game, Meat, Poultry and Eggs Regulations, any person who imports game, meat, poultry or eggs needs to hold a valid permission issued by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. Rice is the only reserved commodity under the Reserved Commodities (Control of Imports, Exports and Reserve Stocks) Regulations (Cap. 296A). Licences for rice imported for local consumption are issued only to companies registered with the Trade and Industry Department as stockholders. No licence is required for the import of rice carried in the personal baggage of a person for personal consumption or as gifts, in an amount not exceeding 15 kilograms. Members of the public are urged not to involve in such illegal activities.
      
     Regarding alternative smoking products, starting from April 30, 2022, any person who imports, promotes, manufactures, sells or possesses for commercial purposes alternative smoking products, including electronic cigarette products, heated tobacco products, herbal cigarettes and any related devices, parts and accessories, commits an offence. Since February 1, 2023, cannabidiol (CBD) is classified as dangerous drugs. Importation of products (including food or drinks) containing CBD into Hong Kong is prohibited unless the relevant provisions in the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance are complied with. To avoid breaching the law inadvertently, members of the public should pay special attention to the packaging labels of those products.
      
     With the successful launch of the Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles scheme on July 1, 2023, Hong Kong residents who have successfully enrolled can travel to the Mainland during the Lunar New Year holidays by driving via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB). The C&ED has prepared designated promotional videos and leaflets (www.customs.gov.hk/hcms/filemanager/tc/content_308/QFA_Clearance_Guideline.pdf) to introduce the Customs clearance routes, procedures and points to note for private cars travelling outbound and inbound via the HZMB Hong Kong Port, which are available for the public on the C&ED homepage and YouTube channel. The C&ED reminded drivers to pay attention to the instructions given by Customs officers at the land control points, and inbound drivers are not entitled to the duty-free concessions. Drivers carrying any quantity of tobacco products or alcoholic liquor with an alcoholic strength above 30 per cent are required to make declaration to Customs officers.
      
     During the Lunar New Year holidays, Customs will further step up the promotion and education effort by distributing the Smart Guide to Passenger Clearance (www.customs.gov.hk/hcms/filemanager/en/content_185/Smart_Guide_to_Passenger_Clearance_E.pdf) at boundary control points to remind members of the public and travellers about regulations of import and export controlled and prohibited items, as well as disseminating information they should be aware of when crossing the boundary via the Customs website and social media platform pages.
      
     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (February 1) investigating an outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) at a secondary school in Wong Chuk Hang, and appeals to members of the public and staff of institutions to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene, and receive seasonal influenza vaccination for better protection.

     The outbreak involves 55 students, comprising 42 males and 13 females aged 12 to 20. Most of the affected persons are Secondary Six students. Eleven staff members are also involved. They have developed symptoms since January 27. Twelve of them sought medical attention. All are in stable condition and none required hospitalisation.

     The officers of the CHP have visited the secondary school and provided preventive advice against URTI, such as advising the school to arrange cleaning and disinfection, to open windows where appropriate for better ventilation, to separate affected students from other students, etc. The school has been placed under medical surveillance.

     The public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against influenza and other respiratory illnesses and note the following:
 

• Receive seasonal influenza vaccination for personal protection;
• Surgical masks can prevent transmission of respiratory viruses from ill persons. It is essential for persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask;
• For high-risk persons (e.g. persons with underlying medical conditions or persons who are immunocompromised), wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
• Avoid touching one's eyes, mouth and nose;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
• When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
• Cover the nose and mouth with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending classes at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and
• Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.

     â€‹â€‹â€‹Members of the public, particularly children, the elderly and those with chronic diseases, should consult a doctor promptly if they develop symptoms of respiratory tract infection.

     A Government spokesman today (February 1) reminded members of the public not to bring endangered species into Hong Kong without a required licence and not to import regulated food illegally when returning from visits to other places.
      
     The spokesman said, "As some plant and animal species are facing the threat of extinction due to over-exploitation, the import and export of such species are regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, Cap. 586, is the local legislation that gives effect to CITES in Hong Kong. Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, the import, export, re-export or possession of endangered animals and plants, including their parts and/or derivatives, is subject to control under a licensing system."
      
     Any person who contravenes the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, even for non-commercial purposes, commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $10,000,000 and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited. More than 400 seizures were made in 2023. The specimens involved include American ginseng, orchids (including artificially propagated species such as moth orchid), gastrodia, dendrobium, dried seahorses, and scheduled shark species (including shark fins).
      
     "As the Chinese New Year holidays are approaching, there have been a number of recent cases in which members of the public were intercepted for illegally bringing orchids from the Mainland back to Hong Kong. Members of the public should pay attention to whether the plant and animal products they intend to buy from places outside Hong Kong are endangered species. As it might not be easy to identify whether the wildlife products are originated from endangered species, members of the public are advised not to buy such items if they cannot ascertain whether the items are subject to control," the spokesman continued.
      
     The Government is committed to the protection of endangered species. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and Hong Kong Customs will continue to work closely and step up their enforcement work in combatting the illegal trade in endangered species. For information on endangered species, please call 1823 or visit www.cites.hk.
      
     Meanwhile, the spokesman further said that according to the Imported Game, Meat, Poultry and Eggs Regulations (Cap. 132AK), any person who imports game, meat, poultry or eggs should produce a health certificate issued by an issuing entity from the place of origin or obtain prior permission in writing from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD). Offenders are liable on conviction to a fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment. Moreover, under the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), import licences issued by the FEHD are required for the import of frozen or chilled beef, mutton, pork and poultry.
      
     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the FEHD has all along maintained close collaboration with the other law enforcement departments. Joint blitz operations are carried out at boundary control points where quarantine detector dogs are deployed to assist law enforcement officers in carrying out surveillance work to combat illegal food import. During the joint operations with Hong Kong Customs in 2023, the CFS instituted a total of 1 117 prosecutions involving inbound persons illegally bringing raw meat, poultry or eggs into Hong Kong, with respective fines of between $150 and $4,500 levied.
      
     With the Lunar New Year holidays approaching, the CFS will step up the publicity of the relevant regulations to remind members of the public not to contravene the law.