5 January

The promotion phase of the Anti-rodent Campaign ends on 5 January. It focuses on rural areas, such as hiking trails and villages frequented by visitors. A 12-month pilot study on maintaining rat-free villages is also launched during the campaign period.

Learning through exhibitions is important in the fight against rodents.

Baited cage is used to trap rodents.

5 and 6 January

The Food Research Laboratory succeeds in reaffirming its accreditation status and extending its accreditation to cover the testing of 10 core nutritional parameters under the Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme, following a reassessment visit by Hong Kong Accreditation Services.

6 to 26 January

The territory-wide Year-end Clean-up 2006 is conducted to improve the cleanliness of Hong Kong's living environment.

Cleaning squad in action during the Year-end Clean-up.

Promoting the Year-end Clean-up message through Chinese New Year couplets.

10 January

A series of workshops and seminars on the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point-based (HACCP) Food Safety Plan on "poon choi" is organised from November 2005 to February 2006.

13 to 17 January

The Food Research Laboratory represents FEHD to participate in a joint exhibition under the "Science in the Public Service" campaign and present a lecture entitled "Risk of High Temperature Cooking - How Modern Technology Is Applied to Food Safety".

16 January

Phases 1B and 1C of the Licensing Management Information System are launched for processing new applications for licences/permits and amendments for valid licences/permits.

23 January

Lunar New Year Fairs in 12 districts are arranged by the Department for seven days.

Huge crowds flock to Hong Kong's most popular Lunar New Year fair at Victoria Park.

Visitors looking for their favourite flowers at a Lunar New Year fair.

The ever-popular new year goods stalls at the Fa Hui Lunar New Year Fair.

26 January

Che Kung Festival Fair in Sha Tin District is arranged by the Department for 18 days.

People seeking good fortune by purchasing a pinwheel at the Che Kung Festival Fair.

Pinwheel stalls at the Che Kung Festival Fair are a crowd puller.

29 January

Fong Ma Po Fair in Tai Po District is arranged by the Department for 15 days.

Visitors at the Fong Ma Po Fair in Tai Po District.

Pinwheel stalls at the Fong Ma Po Fair.