FEHD takes enforcement action against sale of chilled or frozen meat disguised as fresh meat (with photo)
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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has long been committed to combating the sale of chilled or frozen meat disguised as fresh meat. The FEHD today (December 10) conducted a raid on a licensed fresh provision shop (FPS) in Kwun Tong District, suspecting such malpractices.
During the raid on Shui Wo Street in Kwun Tong, FEHD officers seized and immediately destroyed about 225 kilograms of suspected frozen beef and about 90kg of suspected frozen mutton. In addition, FEHD officers marked and sealed about 148kg of prepackaged frozen beef for further investigation. A beef sample was also collected for detection of preservatives. Prosecution will follow if sufficient evidence is found. The licensee of the FPS is suspected of breaching the licensing condition for the display and sale of frozen meat as fresh meat, and the FEHD is proceeding with the cancellation of the FPS licence.
FEHD officers also gave a verbal warning to the FPS operator due to non-compliance with relevant licensing conditions by failing to provide delivery notes for inspection.
A spokesman for the FEHD said, “The selling of chilled or frozen meat disguised as fresh meat not only breaches the licensing conditions but also poses food hazards. Such operations are also unfair to other compliant businesses.”
The spokesman added, “Anyone selling chilled or frozen meat without permission commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months’ imprisonment if convicted. The FEHD will continue regular inspections at licensed FPSs and market meat stalls and handle complaints actively. In detecting any irregularities, the department will carry out investigations promptly and take appropriate enforcement action. In addition, the FEHD also actively investigates suspected violations from time to time and conducts surprise inspections and enforcement actions as necessary. Prosecutions will be initiated and follow-up actions will be taken against breaches of licensing conditions or tenancy agreements if sufficient evidence is found. The licences of those FPSs breaching the licensing conditions may be cancelled, while the tenancies of market meat stalls breaching tenancy agreements may be terminated.”
The spokesman emphasised that the FEHD is very concerned and strongly commits to combating the sale of chilled or frozen meat disguised as fresh meat through stringent enforcement actions against violations.