Introduction

There is at present neither specific regulatory provisions nor safety standard for edible fats and oils in Hong Kong. Safe consumption of edible fats and oils is only regulated through general statutory provisions which cover all food items. Besides, there is at present no specific licensing system in place for regulating the recycling of “waste cooking oils” in Hong Kong. Subject to their respective business scope and practices, individual recyclers are required to comply with the relevant environmental protection legislation.

To further safeguard public health and protect the environment, the Government proposes, through legislative amendments, to establish a statutory safety standard for edible fats and oils and to strengthen the regulation of edible fats and oils which are manufactured locally, imported into and exported from Hong Kong and of the recycling of waste cooking oils.

Proposed Regulatory Framework

The Government proposes to regulate the safety of edible fats and oils and the recycling of “waste cooking oils” by way of legislation. The proposed regulatory measures include the following major elements:

1. On regulation of imported edible fats and oils, “waste cooking oils” and “substandard fats and oils” not intended for human consumption should not be used as ingredients for the production of edible fats and oils imported into Hong Kong. All imported edible fats and oils must meet the proposed statutory standards. To ensure that imported edible fats and oils comply with the relevant requirements, we will require importers to provide an official certificate issued by the place of origin, or a certificate issued by an independent testing institution recognised by the government of the place of origin, or any other supporting documents, certifying that the edible fats and oils imported into Hong Kong are fit for human consumption;
2. Edible fats and oils manufactured in Hong Kong for export or domestic sale should be accompanied by an official certificate or a certificate issued by an officially recognised independent testing institution to certify that the edible fats and oils are fit for human consumption. This requirement is in alignment with that for imported edible fats and oils;
3. Importers of edible fats and oils should also provide copies of certificates or other relevant documents to their downstream distributors, retailers or food premises for the FEHD's inspection;
4. A legislative framework is proposed for regulating “waste cooking oils”; and
5. Grace period will be provided to allow the trade sufficient time to make necessary preparation for meeting the new requirements.

Please refer to the documents below for the details of the proposed regulatory framework.

• Legislative Proposals on Regulation of Edible Fats and Oils and Recycling of “Waste Cooking Oils”
  • Consultation Document
  • Pamphlet

Please send your views by letter, facsimile or e-mail to the Centre for Food Safety or the Environmental Protection Department before 6 October 2015. Details are as follows –

Centre for Food Safety
Centre for Food Safety
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
43/F, Queensway Government Offices,
66 Queensway, Hong Kong.

Facsimile : 2893 3547
E-mail address : edible_oils@fehd.gov.hk

Environmental Protection Department
Waste Reduction and Recycling Group
Environmental Protection Department
28/F, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Facsimile : 2574 6571
E-mail address : wco_consultation@epd.gov.hk

Public Forum (July 2015 - ongoing)

Public forum on the Legislative Proposals on Regulation of Edible Fats and Oils and Recycling of “Waste Cooking Oils” will be arranged.

If you wish to attend the public forum, please complete and return the attached enrolment form to Communication Resource Unit of Centre for Food Safety by fax at 2787 3638 or email to hsmok@fehd.gov.hk. Seats are limited. Acceptance of registration is on a first-come-first-served basis. The forum will be conducted in Cantonese/ English (Simultaneous English/ Cantonese interpretation will be provided). Please call the Communication Resource Unit of the Centre for Food Safety at 2381 6096 during office hours for any enquiries on the public forum.

Typhoon and Adverse Weather Arrangement

• The forum will be cancelled if typhoon signal No. 8 or above OR black rainstorm warning is still hoisted (or is announced by the Hong Kong Observatory to be hoisted) 4 hours or less before the commencement of the event.
• If the typhoon signal pre-No. 8 or the typhoon signal No. 8 or above is hoisted during the event, the forum will be terminated immediately.
• If the Hong Kong Observatory announces the black rainstorm warning is to be hoisted or is hoisted during the forum, programmes already in progress will continue.