ENG-2020 — Page 207

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Food Safety, Environmental Hygiene, Agriculture and Fisheries

the ordinance is liable to prosecution and, on summary conviction, to a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for three years or, on conviction on indictment, to a fine of $5 million and imprisonment for seven years.

The Private Columbaria Licensing Board regulates the operation and management of private columbaria, and handles applications for specified instruments. As at 31 December, it had issued six licences and one exemption; given approvals in principle for two licence applications, one exemption application and nine temporary suspension of liability applications; and refused 26 applications for specified instruments. The board was processing about 238 applications submitted by 99 private columbaria. The FEHD conducts inspections and takes enforcement action against the illegal operation of private columbaria. During the year, it carried out about 250 inspections and investigated about 50 cases of suspected contravention of the ordinance.

Public Education

In 2020, the FEHD's Health Education Exhibition and Resource Centre in Kowloon Park organised 639 health talks for the public and target groups, including students and the elderly. A mobile education centre disseminates food safety and environmental hygiene messages. across the territory.

The Centre for Food Safety held its annual Food Safety Day in June, emphasising specific ways for consumers to improve food safety and safer ways to prepare high-risk foods.

Guarding against African Swine Fever

While African swine fever is not a zoonotic disease and poses no food safety risk, its virus is tough and fast-spreading, and can cause widespread deaths among pigs within a short time. Biosecurity is enhanced at pig farms, boundary checkpoints and slaughterhouses to minimise the transmission risk of the disease.

Measures against Avian Influenza

Government measures to keep avian influenza (AI) at bay include stringent monitoring of the poultry supply chain from farm to retail levels, compulsory vaccination of chickens against H5 and H7 Al and close surveillance of imported and local birds.

Hong Kong bans the keeping of poultry in backyards. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000. Owners of racing pigeons are required to hold exhibition licences, while pet bird traders must submit official animal health certificates to the authorities, or documents such as invoices showing the places of origin of their birds, or the names and addresses of their suppliers. The sale of birds from unknown sources is prohibited. Bird traders must keep up-to- date records of their transactions and the number of birds in their possession.

Live poultry are allowed to be sold at retail level. All live poultry in public market stalls and fresh provision shops must be slaughtered by 8pm every day. Live poultry are not allowed in these premises between 8pm and 5am. Live poultry retailers must ensure people working at retail outlets wear protective clothing and must report any dead poultry immediately to the FEHD.

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