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The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (November 5) said that the urine samples taken from a batch of pigs produced locally for veterinary drug residues tests at Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse was suspected to contain chloramphenicol, a veterinary drug which is not permitted in food animals. Confirmation of test results from the Government Laboratory is pending.
According to the Public Health (Animals and Birds) (Chemical Residues) Regulation (Cap 139N), chloramphenicol is one of the prohibited chemicals in food animals. Upon conviction, offenders shall be liable to a maximum fine of $100,000.
The batch of 20 medium pigs from a local farm is now under isolation. They will be destroyed if test results confirm that they contain chloramphenicol.
The CFS and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department are following up on the case.
Ends/Thursday, November 5, 2015
Issued at HKT 22:15
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