The latest test results of the opening-up investigation in the second stage of the holistic assessment strategy for the Hung Hom Station Extension under the Shatin to Central Link (SCL) project (as at March 28) are now available at the Highways Department's website for the SCL project (www.hyd.gov.hk/en/road_and_railway/railway_projects/scl/index.html) for reference by the public.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The Hospital Authority (HA) spokesperson announced the following senior appointment today (March 28).
 
     Dr Deacons Yeung will be appointed as Director (Cluster Services) with effect from August 1, succeeding Dr Tony Ko, who will take up the post of HA Chief Executive.
 
     Dr Yeung is a specialist in radiology by background. He is currently the Hospital Chief Executive (HCE) of Pok Oi Hospital (POH) and Tin Shui Wai Hospital (TSWH). In his current position, Dr Yeung has successfully launched the emergency surgical services in POH as well as the commissioning of TSWH. He has also led the Cluster Planning and Performance Team to formulate the medium-term directions of clinical service development and provide full support to the development of the Clinical Service Plan.
 
     Dr Yeung possesses solid management experience both at the corporate and cluster levels. Prior to his current role, he was the Chief Manager in the Head Office and looked after different portfolios including Doctor Work Reform, Cluster Performance and Financial Planning.
 
     The HA Chairman, Professor John Leong, and the HA Chief Executive, Dr Leung Pak-yin, congratulated Dr Yeung on his new appointment and wished him every success in taking up the new post.
 

  

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (March 28) that a fresh beef sample was found to contain sulphur dioxide, a preservative which is not permitted to be used in fresh meat. The CFS is following up on the case.

     A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS took the fresh beef sample from a stall in Java Road Market, North Point, for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained sulphur dioxide at a level of 9 parts per million."

     According to the Preservatives in Food Regulation (Cap 132BD), it is an offence to add sulphur dioxide to fresh or chilled meat. The maximum penalty is a $50,000 fine and six months' imprisonment.

     The CFS has informed the vendor concerned of the above-mentioned irregularity.

     Sulphur dioxide is a commonly used preservative in a variety of foods including dried fruits, pickled vegetables and meat products such as sausages and grilled burgers, but under the Regulation it is not permitted in fresh or chilled meat. Nonetheless, individual meat traders have been found illegally using sulphur dioxide to make meat look fresher. This preservative is of low toxicity. As it is water soluble, most of it can be removed through washing and cooking. However, susceptible individuals who are allergic to this preservative may experience breathing difficulties, headache and nausea.

     The spokesman reminded the food trade to comply with the law and not to sell fresh or chilled meat adulterated with sulphur dioxide. Members of the public should purchase meat from reliable market stalls or fresh provision shops. They should avoid buying or consuming meat which is unnaturally red and maintain a balanced diet to avoid malnutrition or excessive exposure to chemicals from a small range of food items.

     The CFS will continue to follow up on the case and take appropriate action. Investigation is ongoing.
 

     The Transport Department (TD) today (March 28) reminded the public that to facilitate tram track renewal work at Des Voeux Road Central, parts of the traffic lanes of Pedder Street will be temporarily closed from about 10am this Saturday (March 30) to 6am next Monday (April 1).
 
     Appropriate traffic signs will be erected on-site to guide motorists.
 
     The TD anticipates that the traffic in the vicinity of the above road sections will be relatively busy. Motorists should exercise tolerance and patience in case of traffic congestion. Members of the public are advised to stay alert to the latest traffic news through the media or the department's website (www.td.gov.hk).

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (March 28) that the following leisure and sports facilities will be temporarily closed:

(a) The turf pitch at Man Tung Road Park in Islands District will be temporarily closed from April 1 to September 30 for improvement works. During the closure period, the public may use similar facilities at Tung Chung North Park in the same district. 

(b) The arena at Peng Chau Sports Centre in Islands District will be temporarily closed from April 15 to August 15 for renovation works, while other facilities will remain open. During the closure period, the public may use similar facilities at Mui Wo Sports Centre or Cheung Chau Sports Centre in the same district. 

     For the most up-to-date closure schedules of the above leisure and sports facilities, the public may refer to the notices at the venues or contact venue staff directly.