A Government spokesman announced today (March 16) that the supply of fresh food from the Mainland yesterday (March 15) was stable and sufficient.

     According to the latest information, the quantity of vegetables supplied from the Mainland to Hong Kong yesterday (as of midnight) by land and water transportation was about 2 400 tonnes, comparable to the average daily supply from the Mainland on a normal day. The volume of vegetables supplied from the Mainland to Hong Kong sold through the wholesale markets of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and the Vegetable Marketing Organization yesterday was about 756 tonnes. The average wholesale prices per catty for choi sum and pak choi stood at $10.30 and $10.90 respectively. The supply of eggs to the wholesale market remained steady, with the average daily supply standing at about 3.2 million for the past week, largely comparable to the average daily supply on a normal day.

     The total supply of chilled meat from the Mainland yesterday was about 60 tonnes which was comparable to the supply on a normal day. The supply of live pigs was abundant.

     The supply of chilled poultry from the Mainland was above 120 000 head and about 8 400 live chickens were slaughtered locally. The supply was fairly stable.

     Regarding the rice supply, in compliance with the requirement of the Government, stockholders of rice have to maintain the reserve stock of rice at a level sufficient for consumption by the local population for 15 days. The trade generally stocks double the required amount, which is sufficient for one month's consumption by Hong Kong citizens. In recent years, the import and consumption of rice in Hong Kong has stood at a steady level of around 320 000 to 330 000 tonnes per year. The import quantity (including reserve stock) as of end-January 2022 was 30 400 tonnes. Suppliers also maintain a reserve for food that can be stored, such as frozen meat, for around three months' stock generally.

     The Government will continue to maintain close liaison with the Mainland authorities and major food suppliers to ensure a stable food supply.

     The AFCD updates and publishes the fresh food supply information daily. Members of the public may visit the AFCD website for updates on daily supplies and wholesale prices of fresh food (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/agriculture/agr_fresh/agr_fresh.html).

Ends/Wednesday, March 16, 2022
Issued at HKT 12:02

NNNN