Hong Kong bans import of poultry meat and products from Lebanon

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (April 26) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Nabichit, Bekaa Region, Lebanon, it has banned the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the country with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

A CFS spokesman said Hong Kong has not established any protocol with Lebanon for imports of poultry meat and eggs. There is no import of such commodities from Lebanon.

"The CFS has contacted the Lebanon authorities over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the OIE on avian influenza outbreaks in the country. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation," the spokesman said.

Ends/Tuesday, April 26, 2016