Voluntary enrolment of egg importer scheme launched
***************************************************

    The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) today (December 19) launched the voluntary enrolment of egg importer scheme to better regulate poultry eggs sold in Hong Kong.

     The Controller of the Centre for Food Safety, Dr Mak Sin-ping said the regulatory regime would be enhanced to tie in with the Mainland﷿s strengthened control measures for poultry eggs supplied to Hong Kong, including the requirement of health certificates for eggs and egg products to be effective from January next year.

     "This will strengthen the existing regulatory regime and other supplementary monitoring measures," she said.

     "It is the first step to strengthening control. Egg importers, including those sourcing eggs from the Mainland or overseas, should promptly enrol with the Centre.

     "Information to be provided includes the sources, quantity and distribution channels of the eggs. The information is conducive to the setting up of the regulatory regime by law in the near future.

     "The first batch of the list of enrolled egg importers will be uploaded onto the CFS website (www.cfs.gov.hk) by the end of this month for reference for the local wholesalers and retailers," Dr Mak said.

    Enrolment forms are available at the CFS on 43/F, Queensway Government Offices, Queensway, and at the Centre﷿s website. Completed forms should be submitted to the Centre.

     Enquiries about the voluntary enrolment system should be made at Centre during office hours at 2867 5582.

Ends/Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:26

NNNN