Regulations on import control of poultry eggs to take effect on Saturday

The amended Imported Game, Meat, Poultry and Eggs Regulations (Cap. 132AK) will come into effect on Saturday (December 5) to regulate the import of poultry eggs, with the aim of better protecting Hong Kong from the threat of Avian Influenza (AI).

"As eggs from infected birds could be contaminated with AI, regulating the import of poultry eggs will strengthen control of AI and further protect the health of Hong Kong people, which is also in line with international practices," a spokesman for the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said.

Under the new regulatory arrangement, no one can import poultry eggs into Hong Kong unless they produce a health certificate issued by an issuing entity from the place of origin recognised by the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene to certify that the eggs are fit for human consumption, and obtain permission in writing from a health officer of the FEHD after providing relevant information on the import of poultry eggs to the FEHD to facilitate tracking of the actual importation and surveillance on the poultry eggs by the CFS, with a view to protecting food safety and public health. Fully cooked eggs and eggs that constitute one of the ingredients of a compounded food item are excluded," the spokesman said.

"Anyone in breach of the Regulations following implementation will be liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment."

For details of the Regulations, please visit the CFS's website at www.cfs.gov.hk. For enquiries, please call the CFS (2868 0000 or 1823).

Ends/Thursday, December 3, 2015