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The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (November 6) announced that test results from the Government Laboratory confirmed that the urine samples taken from a batch of locally produced pigs at Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse contained the veterinary drug chloramphenicol.
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 are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000.
The batch of 20 medium-sized pigs from a local farm, which has been isolated, will be destroyed.
The CFS will continue to monitor food animals admitted to slaughterhouses and take samples for testing of agricultural chemicals and veterinary residues to prevent drug and chemical residues entering the food chain.
The CFS and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department will also continue to follow up closely on the case and take appropriate action.
Ends/Friday, November 6, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:11
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