The Food and Public Health Branch has nine sections responsible for a variety of tasks, including food surveillance and certification; exercising import control and conducting inspections and tests on live food animals; as well as assessing risks from certain categories of food and disseminating food safety information. It also assists in the investigation of food poisoning outbreaks that occur at food premises, and advises on food standards and the prevention and control of pests.

Back to Top

Safety Control of Imported Food

With most of Hong Kong's food supplies originating from outside the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), import controls are an important part of the Department's work.

The control process, comprising a pre-entry licensing system, verification of health documents, and surveillance at import control points, basically applies to certain categories of food considered high risk, including game, meat, poultry, milk and frozen confection.

Safety control of imported food in 2002

As part of the day-to-day task of ensuring food safety, close contact is maintained with local consulates, food authorities in the Mainland and overseas, importers, the Customs and Excise Department and other relevant organisations.

Back to Top

Food Surveillance

Continuous monitoring, testing and enforcement action are key responsibilities to ensure the safety of food supply in Hong Kong. Food samples are tested at every stage of the supply process: from import and manufacture to the wholesale and retail stages.

During the year, some 55,515 samples of food were tested, representing eight samples for every 1,000 people in Hong Kong - much higher than the international reference standard of three samples per 1,000 people.

Food samples undergo microbiological examination, chemical analysis and radioactivity tests, allowing an assessment as to whether or not they conform to legal standards and labelling requirements.

The Man Kam To Food Laboratory provides expeditious and comprehensive testing services, mainly on fresh produce imported from the Mainland. The testing services can be subdivided into two categories as follows:

1. Analysis of pesticide residues in fresh vegetables. Testing parameters include Methamidophos, Isocarbophos, other Organophosphorous pesticides, Pyrethroids, N-Methyl Carbamates and Fungicides.
2. Analysis of veterinary drug residues in raw milk. Testing parameters include Chloramphenicol, Tetracyclines, Sulfonamides and ß-lactams.

In 2002, the Man Kam To Food Laboratory successfully developed and validated some new test methods for the determination of veterinary drug residues, including those of dihydrostreptomycin, streptomycin and trimethoprim. Routine monitoring of these additional veterinary drug residues will commence once the relevant provisions of the legislation for the control of veterinary drug residues in food come into effect.

The data collected through the Food Surveillance Programme serves an additional purpose. It is reviewed and analysed regularly to facilitate topical studies to assess the risk of specific foods and long-term planning of food safety strategies.

Back to Top

Statistics on the Food Surveillance Programme in 2002

(A) Testing of food samples

(B) Enforcement statistics concerning food labelling

Back to Top

Management of Food Incidents

Staffed by doctors and nurses, the Food Incidents and Response Management Section provides support for conducting in-depth investigation of food poisoning outbreaks involving food premises. To prevent future outbreaks, emphasis is placed on educating food handlers on food, personal and environmental hygiene.

Food incident data are collated and analysed to draw up targeted food safety education programmes for the trade and general public. The number of investigations carried out by the Section in relation to food-borne diseases in 2002 was 625. Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus have been identified as the most common causative agents for food poisoning outbreaks related to food premises.

Back to Top

Safety Control of Live Food Animals

The Veterinary Public Health Section (VPHS) is mainly responsible for import control and conducting surveillance programmes on those live food animals with public health significance. Since the health status of food animals may have direct impact on public health, the task of VPHS is substantial.

To implement the concept of "feed to table", veterinary staff pay visits to registered livestock farms exporting to Hong Kong to ensure that good husbandry practices are in place. In 2002, 30 million live chickens, ducks, geese and other poultry were imported into Hong Kong. Staff of VPHS performed quarantine and inspection on these animals at various entry points.

Back to Top

No. of imported food poultry inspected and blood samples tested in 2002

No. of imported food animals inspected in 2002

The Public Health (Animals and Birds) (Chemical Residues) Regulation (Cap. 139) was implemented in 2001 to enhance effectiveness in controlling the use of veterinary chemicals in food animals. The regulation prohibits the use of certain chemicals including clenbuterol and restricts the residue levels of a number of antibiotics in food animals. In 2002, there were about 430 pigs tested positive for prohibited chemicals and all the pigs were destroyed at the slaughterhouses. To facilitate implementation, every consignment of imported food animals must be accompanied by an official animal health certificate from a competent veterinary authority and with identification marks to enable tracing back.

Moreover, 378 samples of coral fish were collected from retail and wholesale markets for ciguatera analysis. Information regarding ciguatera outbreaks and new harvesting zones was sent to importers and fishermen advising them of fishing areas and species which warranted special attention. Regular contacts are maintained with the trade to facilitate the tracing of coral fish consignments whenever necessary.

As for the export of animal products, 57 veterinary health certificates were issued. The total value of such products amount to HK$35 million for frozen dim sum, chicken powder and moon cakes to European Union countries, Australia, Canada, and the United States.

Back to Top

Risk Assessment

Risk assessment is the scientific evaluation of known or potential adverse health effects resulting from human exposure to food borne hazards. It forms the basis of risk communication and management in a risk-based food safety control model. Based on the results of risk assessment studies, hazards associated with food or food ingredients are evaluated and their potential risks to the population are assessed. Effective measures are then devised to minimise or reduce the risk. Typical risk assessment consists of four principles - hazard identification, hazard characterisation, exposure assessment and risk characterisation.

Back to Top

Studies and Projects

As part of its risk assessment work, the Department conducts projects of public health concern involving a comprehensive review and analysis of food-related hazards based on scientific evidence, local food production practices and food surveillance findings.

Projects completed during the year were: "Dietary Exposure of Secondary School Students in Hong Kong to Dioxins and Heavy Metals", "Microbiological Risk Assessment on Salads", "Veterinary Drug Residues in Milk" and "3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol in Soy Sauces". The last two projects were conducted in collaboration with the Consumer Council.

In addition, a series of papers called "Risk-in-brief" is published, providing the public with information on food safety risks of topical concern. Several issues were released in 2002, and were posted on the Department's website. They included "Formaldehyde in Food", "Stevioside in Food", and "Acrylamide in Food".

Food safety incidents, including recalls, originating from outside Hong Kong are also assessed and monitored. The potential risks to the local population are assessed and action taken where necessary. Some 65 incidents were assessed in 2002.

As part of the Department's efforts in updating the existing food labelling legislation to facilitate customers to make informed healthy food choices, and to ensure the nutritional information presented on the food labels is truthful and consistent, the Department has completed a feasibility study on nutrition labelling with a view to formulating such a system for pre-packaged food.

Back to Top

Food Standards

Setting food standards is an integral part of risk management in food safety. In setting new food standards, scientific evaluations performed by internationally recognised authorities, such as the Joint Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)/World Health Organisation (WHO) Expert Committee on Food Additives, and the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues serve as the primary references.

Complementing these initiatives is a risk assessment study assessing the dietary exposure of secondary school students to dioxins and heavy metals in their diet.

The Department has drawn up a set of guidelines on the microbiological quality of ready-to-eat food. The guidelines are used by the authority in monitoring food safety and can be used by the food trade as a reference material in devising measures to improve their food safety practices.

Back to Top

Genetically Modified Food

Genetically modified (GM) food is food or a food ingredient that is an organism, or has been derived from an organism in which genetic material has been modified using modern biotechnology. It is a rapidly developing phenomenon and is relatively new to many people. To this end, the Genetically Modified Food Section has been delivering information on GM food in an understandable language to the public through a multitude of channels including seminars, roving exhibitions, pamphlets, and the Department's website, aiming to enhance the public's understanding of GM food.

In 2002, a GM Food newsletter was launched with 100,000 copies distributed to the general public. Several public education programmes were organised for specific target groups including a "Teaching Kit" designed for primary and secondary schools, seminars arranged for teachers and students as well as "Train-the-trainer" workshops organised for leaders and representatives from women's organisations.

In addition to public education, the Section also actively examines the science and assesses the potential risks behind biotechnology. Possible regulatory measures for GM food were studied with the aim of safeguarding public health. In response to concerns that a mandatory labelling system for GM food would increase food prices and reduce the variety of food products available to the community, the Government commissioned a consulting firm to conduct a Regulatory Impact Assessment study on the labelling of GM food.

Working together with the Government Laboratory, the Department has been examining the methodology and technology for testing GM ingredients in food, including testing standards and protocol.

Back to Top

Risk Communication

Risk communication is an integral part, and arguably the most important component, of the food safety regulatory system. It aims to provide the trade and consumers with a clear perception of various kinds of risks and encourage them to play their part in enhancing food safety. It also facilitates a positive and timely response to potential safety hazards.

The Risk Communication Section handles enquiries from the media and the public on food safety issues and publicises results of food surveillance and risk assessment studies through the media, the "Food Safety Express" web page, and the quarterly publication, Food Safety Bulletins (Consumer and Trade Editions). Resource materials including pamphlets, posters and videos on various topics of food and public health are also produced.

The Risk Communication Section also plays an important role in preventing vector-borne diseases. During the year, an Anti-mosquito Campaign with the theme, "Let's Remove Stagnant Water - Eliminate Mosquitoes for Healthy Living." was successfully held in collaboration with other government departments. The Campaign was launched in three phases and targeted mainly at housing estates, construction sites, public/private schools and hospitals. Supported by talks, exhibitions and other educational material, the Campaign has enhanced public awareness on the importance of mosquito control.

Summary of risk communication activities in 2002

Back to Top

HACCP-based Food Safety Plan

In 2002, the Department continued its efforts to actively promote the adoption of a Food Safety Plan (FSP). FSP is a proactive food safety assurance model based on the principle of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP). FSP promotion programmes were devised for specific sectors including the siu mei and lo mei sector as well as premises providing buffets. Both managerial and operational staff of the sector were invited to attend the workshops and seminars. Twenty-six seminars and workshops were organised for the food trade, teachers and members of the public.

The "Enhance Food Safety, Let's Reduce Risks" food hygiene campaign held from June to October introduced the concept of food risk and advocated FSP as an important risk management measure for the food trade and the public. Roving exhibitions were also mounted at various locations throughout Hong Kong.

To reach a wider audience, a publicity programme on HACCP was launched in December to promote the concept amongst the public. With a better informed public, it is hoped there will be an increased interest from the trade in the concept of HACCP.

Back to Top

Pest Control

The Department is the Government's advisor on pest control. In the control of pests that impinge on public health, the Department adopts an integrated approach, putting equal emphasis on effective use of pesticides and a continuous improvement in environmental hygiene. As a centre of expertise on pest control matters, the service regularly updates its control methodologies and technologies, making reference to the World Health Organisation's latest recommendations. The Department's services work in close partnership with the trade and provides it with professional support and advice.

Management of Vector-borne Diseases

Working closely with the Department of Health and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the services serve as an executive arm in the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases.

Upon notification of these diseases, investigation is initiated immediately, followed by appropriate vector control measures.

Control Programmes

Vector-borne diseases including malaria, dengue fever, plague, urban typhus and hantaan disease continue to pose threats to Hong Kong. Of particular concern in 2002 was a local outbreak of dengue fever.

Anti-mosquito Campaign

Hong Kong was put on alert in early 2002, with threats of dengue fever being imported from neighbouring areas. An interdepartmental territory-wide Anti-mosquito Campaign was launched. In response to the high ovitrap indices detected in April, the second phase of the Campaign was advanced from 15 July to 28 May 2002 and the duration was extended from four weeks to six weeks. And to eradicate the outbreak, the completion date of the Campaign's third phase was extended from 12 October 2002 into 2003. Thanks to the efforts of the Department and others, the outbreak was successfully curbed. Anti-mosquito measures continued to place emphasis on eliminating breeding places, particularly improperly disposed containers. Legal action was taken against those who allowed mosquitoes to breed on their premises.

Mosquito control work

In addition, a control programme was put in place against malaria- transmitting mosquitoes, which covered a total of 647 streams. In line with government policy, some of these programmes were contracted out in late 2001 in a bid to promote effective use of resources.

Anti-rodent Campaign

The Department continued its efforts to control rodents in licensed food premises through various channels including theme talks and exhibitions. The campaign received substantial media and public attention. Some 11,164 rodents were collected during the promotion and enhancement phases of the Anti-rodent Campaign 2002. Inspections and disinfestations were also carried out on a regular basis to contain rodent problems. During the year, the Department laid poison bait at 4,510 points and 2,965 traps, disposing of 48,297 rodents.

Other control programmes

Apart from mosquitoes and rats, the Department also provides disinfestations to control other pests that can spread diseases such as flies, fleas, mites, cockroaches and ticks. Staff is deployed to patrol refuse collection points, rear lanes and other trouble spots to spray insecticides and remove items attracting flies. The Department also provides a service to eliminate wasps nests.

Disinfestations of arthropod pests

Risk Assessment and Surveillance

Risk assessment programmes have been put in place to monitor rodent numbers in wharves and godowns; and to monitor infestations of dengue and malaria transmissible mosquitoes throughout Hong Kong.

Waterfront plague surveillance

To assess the risk of plague transmissions, studies have been carried out to assess the rat-flea situation. During the year, rear lanes were selected for study.

Back to Top

Rat-flea survey in rear lanes

Remarks: It has been reported from the World Health Organisation that a Rat-flea Index greater than 1 represents an increased plague risk for humans if the plague bacillus was introduced into a territory.

Hong Kong is renowned for its vibrant international airport and to ensure that it is free from dengue fever and plague vectors, monitoring stations have been set up at various points in accordance with international health regulations. Monitoring figures in 2002 demonstrated effective control of these vectors.

Airport disease vector surveillance

Back to Top