ENG-2003 — Page 229

FOOD SAFETY, ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES

control to enhance effectiveness and efficiency. Anti-rodent and anti-mosquito campaigns were mounted throughout Hong Kong during the year.

A surveillance programme has been put in place for monitoring the dengue fever vector, and taking prompt action to eliminate breeding sites. In September, mosquito control measures were strengthened immediately upon confirmation of a local dengue fever case in Yuen Long. The prompt response successfully controlled the disease without any spread.

Throughout the year, 24 372 construction sites and 64 491 village-type houses were inspected by anti-mosquito squads, and 48 496 mosquito breeding grounds were eliminated. The AFCD assisted with 7 015 inspections of livestock farms to seek out and eliminate mosquito breeding areas. The anti-mosquito efforts will continue in order to reduce the risk of dengue fever.

Cemeteries and Crematoria

As land is a limited resource in Hong Kong, it is the Government's policy to encourage cremation of the dead. Normally, human remains buried in public cemeteries have to be exhumed after six years and be either cremated or reinterred in an urn cemetery.

The FEHD operates six government crematoria and 11 public cemeteries, and oversees the management of 28 private cemeteries.

Food and Other Trade Licensing

The FEHD is the authority responsible for licensing food businesses and issuing permits for the sale of restricted foods including frozen confections, sushi and sashimi. It also issues licences to places of public entertainment such as theatres, cinemas and entertainment machine centres. In addition, it issues trade licences for commercial bathhouses and offensive trades as well as for private swimming pools. The FEHD also provides support to the Liquor Licensing Board, which is an independent statutory body constituted for the purpose of issuing liquor licences. Board members are appointed by the Chief Executive. The board meets about four times a month to consider applications.

During the year, the department received and processed 2 437 applications for food business licences, 864 for restricted food permits, 890 for places of public entertainment licences, 60 for other trade licences and 711 for liquor and club liquor licences.

Alfresco dining has been gaining in popularity in recent years. Since 2002, the FEHD has streamlined application procedures to provide a 'one-stop-shop' service to applicants. During the year, the department approved 47 applications.

From January, the department took up the responsibility for issuing karaoke establishment permits for karaoke establishments that are situated in premises that have a restaurant licence.

The FEHD also develops and puts forward new initiatives in consultation with the Legislative Council and the trade to further improve hygiene in food premises, and thereby enhance food safety. In February, the Public Health and Municipal Services (Amendment) Ordinance 2002 came into effect to speed up the closure of food premises that pose immediate health hazards or are being operated without licences. A total of six food premises were closed under these new provisions. Moreover, with

181