Page 400 of 654
HONG KONG PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
I also support the motion. In fact, cases of poisonous vegetables occurred almost every year. I would like to see this Council in closer liaison with mainland units. Maybe we can organize a group to the mainland for a site visit and give our views.
Mr. Chairman, the mainland authorities have been actively improving on the issue of poisonous vegetables. They use the most up-to-date inspection methods as those used here in Hong Kong and they keep strict records of the labeling and pesticides used.
We know that the main culprit of poisonous vegetables is pesticide residue (Methamidophos) and that particular form of pesticide is banned by mainland authorities. If a milder pesticide can be used in place of it in Guangdong, the number of poisonous vegetable cases will decrease. And of course, if we can have close liaison with relevant mainland authorities and their cooperation, the situation will improve.
The next thing to do is to impose more stringent penalties. We know that mainland authorities have stepped up prosecutions. Relevant departments in Hong Kong such as the Agriculture and Fisheries Department and Department of Health should also follow suit.
Thirdly, we should set up more sampling points. Indeed, the inspection centre at Man Kam To is operating well and properly, but we do not have other inspection centres at other points. At present, the Department of Health takes samples once weekly from Sha Tau Kok, Cheung Sha Wan and Western. We do not think that is sufficient.
Fourthly, publicity and education should be stepped up. Poisonous vegetable cases have occurred year after year and citizens, mostly those ignorant about how to handle vegetables, were harmed. With the approach of the winter season, more citizens consume vegetables for hot pots. As this eating habit is not likely to change in the near future, the authorities should step up publicity on TVs and radios. I find this kind of publicity work this year inadequate. I have not noticed any series of programmes to publicize the harm caused by poisonous vegetables.
Mr. Chairman, I support the motion.
Mr. Daniel To Boon-man (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, the authorities are facing the following problems in preventing the harm of poisonous vegetables to citizens.
1.
2.
Dishonest traders are continuing to smuggle in uninspected vegetables and the authorities have not blocked the imports effectively. Poisonous vegetables are imported from points on the border other than Man Kam To and blocking such imports is a problem.
Page 400
Page 401
Page 401 of 654
Page 400 of 654
Tage 400 of 654
Page 400 of 654
396
HONG KONG PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
I also support the motion. In fact, cases of poisonous vegetables occurred almost every year. I would like to see this Council in closer liaision with mainland units. Maybe we can organize a group to the mainland for a site visit and give our views.
Mr. Chairman, the mainland authorities have been actively improving on the issue of poisonous vegetables. They use the most up to date inspection methods as those used here in Hong Kong and they keep strict records of the labeling and pesticides used.
We know that the main culprit of poisonous vegetables is pesticide residue (Methamidophos) and that particular form of pesticide is banned by mainland authorities. If a milder pesticide can be used in place of it in Guangdong, the number of poisonous vegetable cases will decrease. And of course, if we can have close liaison with relevant mainland authorities and their cooperation, the situation will improve.
The next thing to do is to impose more stringent penalties. We know that mainland authorities have stepped up prosecutions. Relevant departments in Hong Kong such as the Agriculture and Fisheries Department and Department of Health should also follow suit.
Thirdly, we should set up more sampling points. Indeed, the inspection centre at Mankamto is operating well and properly, but we do not have other inspection centres at other points. At present, the Department of Health takes samples once weekly from Sha Tau Kok, Cheung Sha Wan and Western. We do not think that is sufficient.
Fourthly, publicity and education should be stepped up. Poisonous vegetable cases have occurred year after year and citizens, mostly those ignorant about how to handle vegetables, were harmed. With the approach of the winter season, more citizens consume vegetables for hot pots. As this eating habit is not likely to change in the near future, the authorities should step up publicity on TVs and radios. I find this kind of publicity work this year inadequate. I have not noticed any series of programmes to publicize the harm caused by poisonous vegetables.
Mr. Chairman, I support the motion.
Mr. Daniel To Boon-man (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, the authorities are facing the following problems in preventing the harm of poisonous vegetables to citizens.
I.
2.
Dishonest traders are continuing to smuggle in uninspected vegetables and the authorities have not blocked the imports effectively. Poisonous vegetables are imported from points on the border other than Mankamto and blocking such imports is a problem.
Page 400Page 401
Page 401 of 654
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.