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Chapter 9

Food Safety, Environmental

Hygiene, Agriculture and Fisheries

Ensuring food safety and a high level of environmental hygiene and animal health is a major challenge which the Government is determined to meet. In 2005, its efforts were boosted by an increased awareness of personal and environmental hygiene albeit prompted by the threat of avian influenza returning to Hong Kong.

In the face of new challenges and potential hazards arising from an ever- changing environment, the Government has devoted much effort to ensuring that the food the community consumes is safe and that high-quality environmental hygiene and veterinary services are in place to provide a living environment comparable to other major international cities.

Organisational Framework

The Health, Welfare and Food Bureau is responsible for, among other matters, the policy formulation and resource allocation for food safety, environmental hygiene, animal health, and agriculture and fisheries. It also oversees the implementation of policies to protect and promote food safety and animal health, achieve a high standard of environmental hygiene, and enhance the competitiveness of the agricultural and fisheries sectors.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) serves the people of Hong Kong by ensuring that food is fit for consumption and that they live in a clean environment.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) is responsible for implementing agricultural and fisheries policies, including the provision of infrastructural and technical support to facilitate the development of the two industries. It provides wholesale market facilities and animal disease diagnostic services, and administers agricultural and fisheries loans. The department is also the Government's adviser on veterinary services.