The threat of an avian flu pandemic was the cause of much discussion around the world in 2005 following outbreaks of the virus in several European countries as well as numerous reports from other centres in Asia. However, through constant vigilance, stringent control measures, close monitoring and liaison with Mainland authorities, Hong Kong was spared any major avian influenza scares in 2005. As always, staff of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, through their dedication and professionalism, made every effort to minimise this threat to public health with the co-operation and support of the people of Hong Kong. And it was not the only challenge faced by the department during the year.
Mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis, constantly pose a threat to Hong Kong. Nevertheless, with the Department's continued emphasis on implementing measures to eliminate mosquito breeding spots and enhancing community participation in tackling the problem, not one local case of dengue fever was recorded in 2005, and the number of local Japanese encephalitis cases dropped from five in 2004 to just one. Indeed, the anti-mosquito campaign was so effective that the average ovitrap index of 3.8 per cent recorded during the year was the lowest since the dengue fever vector surveillance programme was launched in 2000.
Surveillance forms a vital part of our operations at the FEHD, not just in the important task of preventing vector-borne diseases, but in helping to ensure the food we eat is safe and free from contamination. With most food supplies originating from outside Hong Kong, we have a responsibility to carefully monitor food entering the territory. In mid-August, co-ordinated action was taken to prevent the import of fish and fish products suspected of containing the potentially harmful chemical, malachite green. Surveillance and sampling of fish and fish products were stepped up at Hong Kong's import control points and markets to detect the presence of the chemical. And the Administration also amended the Harmful Substances in Food Regulations prohibiting the presence of malachite green in food, including live fish.
This is but one example of the kind of action taken by the Government to help protect public health. Food safety incidents and reports originating in and outside Hong Kong are assessed and monitored and special measures are adopted wherever necessary. Requiring all food establishments to appoint a hygiene manager or hygiene supervisor is another of the measures taken to improve food safety and hygiene.
In looking to the future, major changes are in the pipeline for the food safety regulatory framework to meet increasing public concern over the safety of food products. Of particular relevance is the need to bolster our control measures. As a first step, in 2006, we will establish a Centre for Food Safety under the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to improve the existing food safety regulatory structure. This will include:
- strengthening food surveillance and sampling at the import, wholesale and retail levels
- strengthening liaison with Mainland and overseas authorities on food safety issues
- setting up a Food Safety Committee to review and update food standards and improve risk communication through a more timely dissemination of information to the public
- more efficient and effective handling of food incidents and complaints
- developing a regulatory framework for live fish and fish products
These initiatives for 2006 will set the course for the future direction of the Centre for Food Safety and pave the way for a healthier environment for the people of Hong Kong.
Gregory Leung
Director
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department