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The Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, today (November 15) visited the Government Laboratory in Ho Man Tin to learn more about its work in food testing and forensic science.
Dr Ko first toured the laboratory facilities dedicated to food analysis and testing, and looked at the specialised instruments which assist professional staff in examining harmful contaminants and heavy metals in food.
The Government Laboratory provides food analysis services principally for the Centre for Food Safety of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Agriculture Fisheries and Conservation Department. The food testing services cover three main areas, namely the analysis of food additives, food contaminants and food ingredients.
The laboratory assists other government departments with a wide range of scientific analytical services including environmental sample analysis, Chinese medicine tests, pharmaceuticals analysis, product safety tests and classification of dangerous goods.
In addition the Government Laboratory provides a number of forensic services including analysis of evidence collected at crime scenes, DNA analysis, physical and chemical analysis of evidence, and crime scene attendance.
In the past year, the Government Laboratory conducted more than 670 000 tests and about 18 000 forensic cases for different Government departments.
Dr Ko noted that the Government Laboratory also plays an active role in international technical exchange and assists the local industry in enhancing its standards. The Government Laboratory is recognised internationally as providing world-class scientific services, he added.
Dr Ko said, "This year marks the centenary of the Government Laboratory. To cope with future challenges, the Government Laboratory will continue to strive for excellence, aiming to maintain its position as a leading laboratory in the Asia-Pacific region."
Ends/Friday, November 15, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:54
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