ENG-2000 — Page 231

HEALTH

required hygiene and environmental standards. During the year, these slaughterhouses in total handled 2 314 055 pigs, 57 577 cattle and 4 008 goats.

The department also maintains vigilance against illegal slaughtering activities and the sale of meat from unapproved sources. In 2000, it carried out 83 raids on suspected illegal slaughterhouses, and made both regular and surprise checks on meat stalls, resulting in the seizure of more than 22 tonnes of live pigs, pig carcasses and offal, and 18 prosecutions involving the possession of meat coming from unapproved

sources.

In October, a dedicated task force was set up to enhance enforcement action against illegal slaughtering activities and unlicensed meat roasting factories. With careful planning and stepped-up surveillance and intelligence gathering, the task force cracked down on such premises and prevented quantities of contaminated meat from reaching the market. It will continue its operations as long as illegal slaughtering and illegal meat roasting activities occur.

Public Education

The FEHD operates the Health Education Exhibition and Resource Centre in Kowloon Park, Tsim Sha Tsui, and a Communication Resource Centre at Fa Yuen Street Complex, Mong Kok, to educate the public on the importance of food safety and environmental hygiene through exhibits and library materials.

Outreaching programmes, including school talks and education activities, are organised to disseminate messages on personal hygiene, food safety and measures in maintaining a hygienic living environment. During the year, 56 food hygiene seminars for the public, food handlers and market operators were held.

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