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The Government today (August 13) continued to clean up the plastic pellets scattered on beaches, in fish culture zones and at sea after the typhoon.
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (as at 4pm today)
Location: Chi Ma Wan, Cheung Sha Wan, Shap Long, Wang Tong, Ngau Kwu Wan, Tso Wan, Lantau Island; Tung Wan, Peng Chau; Tung Wan Tsai, Cheung Chau; Tung O Wan and Shek Pai Wan, Lamma Island; Stanley Bay
Quantity: 181kg
Marine Department (as at 4pm today)
Location: Near Tung O Wan, Lamma Island
Quantity: 80kg
Leisure and Cultural Services Department (as at 4pm today)
Location: Hung Shing Yeh Beach and Lo So Shing Beach
Quantity: Small amounts (0.2kg)
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) tested 40 marine fish samples today, and revealed that no plastic pellets were detected. Since August 6, the CFS has tested 290 marine fish samples in the wholesale and retail markets of Hong Kong, and no plastic pellets were detected. Tests conducted so far have suggested that the pellet incident has not caused an adverse impact on food safety. Although the food safety risk remains low, members of the public should check and clean fish thoroughly and remove all internal organs before cooking. The CFS will continue to closely monitor marine fish sold on the market to ensure food safety.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department did not receive reports of the presence of plastic pellets or abnormal fish death at fish culture zones from mariculturists today.
The Marine Police is continuing to assist in locating the scattered plastic pellets. The Marine Police has reported the presence of plastic pellets at Tung O Wan, Lamma Island. The relevant departments have deployed manpower for the necessary clean-up action, and will continue to closely monitor the distribution of plastic pellets.
A Government spokesman said that the Government will continue its inter-departmental monitoring operations. Clean-up action will be carried out as soon as plastic pellets are detected so as to minimise the impact of the incident on the environment, food safety and human health.
Ends/Monday, August 13, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:38
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