Blitz operation against meat selling malpractices (With Photo)
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    The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (June 5) conducted a blitz operation in Tsuen Wan against suspected malpractices of selling frozen/chilled meat as fresh meat.

     Acting on information, FEHD officers inspected seven fresh provision shops (FPSs) at Ho Pui Street, Tai Uk Street, San Tsuen Street, Wo Tik Street and Chuen Lung Street.

     "Two FPSs were suspected to be selling frozen/chilled pork as fresh pork. Some 440 kilogrammes of pork were marked and sealed for further investigation.

     "One FPS was found keeping about 680 kilogrammes of frozen pork without obtaining related endorsement from the department. Investigation into this case is still underway," an FEHD spokesman said.
   
     The spokesman said another FPS failed to post a notice on the chiller that chilled meat was available for sale.

     "We will consider cancelling the licence of the meat shop concerned as the operator has breached the licensing condition."
 
     Other irregularities found in the operation included incomplete record of meat invoices or delivery notes, failure to store chilled meat in a refrigerator and dirty food premises.

     The spokesman reiterated that the department would continue to closely monitor meat sale at the retail level and take stringent enforcement actions to safeguard food safety and public health.

     "Anyone who would like to report doubtful meat being sold should call the department's hotline at 2868 0000," he said.


Ends/Monday, June 5, 2006
Issued at HKT 20:25

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