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Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, after attending a radio programme this morning (December 22):
Reporter: Will the distributor of the carcinogenic cooking oil be prosecuted? Will there be any new measures to strengthen regulation on the matter? Concerning the increasing beef price, what will the Government consider whether not to open the market?
Secretary for Food and Health: The Government is very concerned about the safety of all food items that Hong Kong people consume, including edible oil. We are right now in the process of tracing a batch of imported edible oil which contains a substance that might be carcinogenic. As investigation into the sources and distribution of this cooking oil is still under way, it is a bit premature to talk about subsequent law enforcement action. However, I can assure the public that we will take whatever necessary action to ensure the food safety for Hong Kong people.
Reporter: (On opening up of live cattle wholesale market)
Secretary for Food and Health: We are also concerned about the escalation of retail price of fresh beef imported from the Mainland. Right now, we are conducting a market survey relating to the supply of fresh beef and cattle in the Mainland so as to help us decide whether there is a need to open up the market.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript)
Ends/Saturday, December 22, 2012
Issued at HKT 13:31
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