The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today (April 10) announced the launch of Tao Arts – Community Arts Scheme, which will be implemented in Sai Kung and Wan Chai Districts this year as a pilot scheme and will be exte… read more
The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, today (April 10) visited Tuen Mun District, where he exchanged views with Tuen Mun District Council (TMDC) members and young people, and learnt about the escort service for th… read more
​The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (April 10) 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, “Subsequent to announcing earlier that a fresh beef sample taken from a stall in Java Road Market, North Point, was detected with sulphur dioxide, the CFS took another fresh beef sample from the same stall for testing during follow-up investigation. A similar irregularity was detected with the test result showing that the sample contained sulphur dioxide at a level of 80 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. Prosecution will be instituted should there be sufficient evidence.
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. read more
The Lands Department announced today (April 10) that in respect of the tender for the site Lot No. 5382 in Demarcation District No. 116 at Tai Kei Leng, Yuen Long, New Territories, which was awarded on March 13 to the successfu… read more
The Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene has ordered a restaurant in Tsuen Wan to suspend business for 14 days as the operator repeatedly breached the Food Business Regulation (FBR) by extending the business area illegally.
The restaurant, Sam Pei Kitchen, located on the ground floor at 26 Sam Pei Square, Tsuen Wan, was ordered to suspend business from today (April 10) to April 23.
“In August last year and January this year, two convictions for the above-mentioned breach were recorded against the restaurant. A total fine of $7,000 was levied by the court and 30 demerit points were registered against the licensee under the department’s demerit points system. The contraventions resulted in the 14-day licence suspension,” a spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said.
The licensee of the restaurant had a record of two convictions for the same offence in June and October 2017. A total fine of $3,500 was levied and 30 demerit points were registered. The breaches led to licence suspension for seven days in December 2017.
The spokesman reminded licensees of food premises to comply with the FBR, or their licences could be suspended or cancelled.
Licensed food premises are required to exhibit a sign, at a conspicuous place near the main entrance, indicating that the premises has been licensed. A list of licensed food premises is available on the FEHD’s website (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/licensing/index.html). read more