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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (July 4) warned all fresh provision shop and market stall operators that it was an offence to possess meat from an unapproved source for sale.
During a blitz operation in Yuen Long this morning, department officers inspected five fresh provision shops in Yuen Long New Street and Fook Tak Street, and a market stall at Tai Kiu Market.
At a fresh provision shop at Yuen Long New Street, officers seized about 310 kilogrammes of pork, believed to be from an unapproved source.
Two men and three women, who obstructed officers in performing duties in the operation were taken to a police station to assist investigations.
Other irregularities found in the operation included failure to properly post a notice on sale of chilled meat, and incomplete record of meat invoices or delivery notes.
"Under the Food Business Regulation, anyone possessing meat not of lawful origin for sale commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment," a department spokesman said.
"In addition, fresh provision shops and market stall operators selling meat from an unapproved source or failing to display properly a notice on sale of chilled meat may also have their licences/ tenancy agreements cancelled or terminated," he said.
"People should call the department's hotline at 2868 0000 if they have doubts about the origin of meat sold."
Ends/Tuesday, July 4, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:19
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