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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (November 10) warned all fresh provision shop and market stall operators not to sell frozen meat as fresh meat, or they would risk having their licences/tenancy agreements cancelled or terminated.
This followed a blitz operation in Tin Shui Wai this morning, during which a fresh provision shop at No. 35-36, G/F, Tin Shing (Allmart) Chinese Market, Tin Shing Court, was found selling defrosted beef as fresh beef.
During the operation, about 75 kilogrammes of frozen beef were seized.
"We will consider cancelling the licence of the meat shop as the operator has breached the licensing condition that prohibits the sale of frozen meat as fresh meat.
"The operator has also breached the Food Business Regulation as the shop, with a licence permitting only the sale of fresh meat, was found selling frozen beef," the spokesman said.
The spokesman warned all meat retailers to observe the Regulation, adding that offenders, upon conviction, were liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment.
He said the department would continue to monitor the sale of meat at the retail level and take stringent enforcement action to safeguard food safety and public health.
"Anyone who has doubts about the meat being sold at retail outlets should call the department's hotline at 2868 0000," he said.
Ends/Friday, November 10, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:39
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