HEALTH
The growing number of food establishments, and the quantities and variety of food items available have increased the importance of law enforcement. Parallel to this is the increasing demand for services for health certification of foods for export and re-export.
The review of food legislation has been an on-going exercise with a view to ensuring that laws are consistent with international standards, guidelines and recommendations based on scientific evidence. This is important in order to provide a high standard of public health protection and to facilitate international trade in foods.
On the international scene, Hong Kong maintains close ties with the World Health Organisation, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and other international authoritative bodies on foods. As the bulk of the local food supply comes from China, the territory works closely with the Chinese authorities to promote food safety and better food hygiene. Regular meetings are held with officials from the Guangdong and Shenzhen Commodities Inspection Bureaux.
Food Premises
The Urban Services Department has categorised licensed food premises in the urban area into different grades according to their standards of hygiene. Its frequency of inspections is determined by the grades of the premises, to better utilise manpower and resources.
The department continued to adopt a demerit points system for suspension or can- cellation of food business licences or permits in order to deter breaches of licensing and hygiene regulations. The system is regularly reviewed to ensure its effectiveness.
To assist applicants for restaurant licences and to better co-ordinate inter-departmental efforts, a central vetting panel was set up. It advises the applicants in the early stages whether the intended premises are suitable for licensed restaurants. The panel also gives initial advice on steps and actions to be taken to meet the licensing requirements.
The Regional Services Department continued to exercise strict control over food premises which failed to apply for a licence or which had not complied with the specified requirements. The weekly prosecution of repeated offenders has had the effect of drama- tically reducing the number of unlicensed food businesses.
The two departments also work closely with the Department of Health in the investigation and control of food-poisoning outbreaks, substandard foods and infectious diseases.
Markets
The Urban Council operated 62 retail markets in the urban area in 1993. In these markets, 10 108 stalls offered commodities ranging from fresh food to household items.
Old and outdated markets have been gradually replaced by multi-purpose complexes managed by the council. The 16 existing complexes house new markets and cooked food centres on the lower floors, while the upper floors provide a variety of facilities for indoor sports activities, cultural and recreational pursuits. New markets with cooked food centres are built to meet not only hawker resiting commitments, but consumer demand.
The Electric Road Complex was opened to the public in March. The redevelopment of Tai Shing Street Market in Wong Tai Sin District was undertaken jointly with the Hong Kong Housing Society in late 1993, as part of the latter's redevelopment scheme for Kai Tak Estate. Also earmarked for redevelopment is Sai Ying Pun Market in Western District. To prepare for this, the renovation of Centre Street Market was completed to
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