The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (March 18) instructed the trade to suspend the import of raw oysters produced by Ets Guittonneau (FR 85.083.501) (processing plant) in France. The trade should also stop using or selling the product concerned immediately should they possess it.

     A spokesman for the CFS said, “The CFS noted a notification from the French authorites that raw oysters produced by Ets Guittonneau (FR 85.083.501) (processing plant) were suspected to be contaminated with norovirus and under recall. Upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately contacted local major importers and retailers for follow-up. A preliminary investigation by the CFS found that the affected raw oysters have not been imported into Hong Kong. For the sake of prudence, the CFS has immediately instructed the trade to suspend the import into and sale within Hong Kong of raw oysters produced by Ets Guittonneau (FR 85.083.501) (processing plant).”

     The spokesman said the trade should also stop selling raw oysters produced by Ets Guittonneau (FR 85.083.501) (processing plant) if they possess them.

     The spokesman pointed out that as oysters feed by filtering a large volume of seawater, pathogens can accumulate in them if they are grown in or harvested from contaminated water. Raw or partially cooked oysters are high-risk foods. Susceptible groups, such as pregnant women, young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems or liver diseases, should avoid eating raw oysters.

     The CFS will inform the French authorities and will also notify the local trade. It will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action to safeguard food safety and public health. An investigation is ongoing.

     ​Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) today (March 18) jointly organised a seminar titled “New Opportunities for Hong Kong Food and Beverage (F&B) Industry in Expanding into Chinese Mainland Market”, attracting the participation of around 80 industry representatives. The seminar aimed to help the industry keep abreast of the latest information and capture emerging business opportunities following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Inspection, Quarantine and Hygiene Requirements for Meat Products Exported from Hong Kong to the Mainland and the Cooperation Arrangement for the Export of Dairy Products from Hong Kong to the Mainland (collectively referred to as co-operation agreements) in May last year between the EEB and the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China to facilitate food trade between Hong Kong and the Mainland.
      
     The seminar showcased the synergy of cross-departmental collaboration, focusing on how the co-operation agreements facilitate the entry of Hong Kong-manufactured meat and dairy products into the Mainland. Discussions also explored how food brands can leverage the intellectual property advantages of “Made in Hong Kong” products to expand more efficiently into the Mainland food market and enhance competitiveness.
      
     Acting Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK Mr Arnold Lau said, “Demand for high-quality food products in the Mainland market continues to grow, creating significant opportunities for ‘Made in Hong Kong’ food products, which are well known for their high-quality standards. With further streamlined cross-boundary trade procedures, InvestHK will fully support companies establishing F&B operations in Hong Kong to forge connections with Mainland distribution channels and partners, helping them seize the opportunities arising from the Mainland food trade.”
      
     A spokesperson of the EEB said, “‘Food from Hong Kong’ is a reputable brand for Mainland customers. Coupled with the potential of the Mainland market, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has facilitated the food industry in opening up the Mainland market by strengthening co-operation with Mainland authorities. We encourage food enterprises to make good use of the policy and seize the market opportunities by exporting food products that satisfy the prescribed requirements to the Mainland.”
      
     During the seminar, representatives from the EEB provided a detailed briefing on the requirements and procedures for Hong Kong food products entering the Mainland market, including testing and certification and facilitation measures for customs clearance, and shared updates on the practical implementation of the co-operation agreements signed last year, offering food enterprises new opportunities for growth. Representatives from InvestHK introduced the wide range of supportive services available to overseas and Mainland companies and highlighted how the Northern Metropolis offers attractive land resources for food businesses to scale up production, strengthen competitiveness through the “Made in Hong Kong” advantage, and capitalise on the growing Mainland market demand.
      
     InvestHK will continue to strengthen cross-departmental collaboration, maintain close engagement with the industry, and provide timely information and support to help Hong Kong-manufactured food and beverage businesses seize development opportunities, while promoting economic and trade exchanges and two-way investment between Hong Kong and the Mainland.
      
     To download photos, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720332586638.