8 January to 16 March

The first phase of the Anti-rodent Campaign 2018 is launched, targeting markets, municipal services buildings, hawker bazaars, typhoon shelters, rear lanes adjacent to food premises and other problematic spots identified in the territory.

2 February

The Centre for Food Safety releases results of a study on Phthalates (Plasticisers) in Food.

10 to 16 February

A total of 15 Lunar New Year Fairs are held in 13 districts.

12 February to 16 March

The first phase of the Anti-mosquito Campaign 2018 is launched to arouse public awareness and encourage community participation in mosquito prevention and control.

13 February to 2 March

The Department holds Che Kung Festival Fair in Sha Tin and Lam Tsuen Fong Ma Po Fair in Tai Po.

14 February

The Centre for Food Safety releases results of a study on Sodium and Energy Contents of Asian-style Noodles-in-soup Dishes conducted jointly with the Consumer Council.

29 March

A total of 359 applications for specified instruments namely licence, exemption or temporary suspension of liability from 144 private columbaria are received by the Private Columbaria Licensing Board by the deadline for submission of applications in respect of pre-cut-off columbaria.

13 April

The Centre for Food Safety launches the Second Hong Kong Population-based Food Consumption Survey to collect up-to-date food consumption information of Hong Kong citizens.

23 April to 22 June

The first round of anti-rodent operation in designated target areas is launched in various districts to strengthen rodent prevention and control efforts at the district level.

23 April to 29 June

The second phase of the Anti-mosquito Campaign 2018 is launched, focusing on eliminating mosquito breeding places and enhancing mosquito control during the rainy season.

4 May

A graduation ceremony is held for 312 newly recruited officers in the ranks of Health Inspector II, Assistant Hawker Control Officer and Foreman who have completed Induction Training Programmes.

2 June

The five-year Assistance Scheme for Hawkers in Fixed-pitch Hawker Areas is completed with nearly 99% of the licensed hawkers in the 43 fixed-pitch hawker areas joining the assistance scheme.

6 June

The first phase of Installation of Internet Protocol cameras which extends the trial scheme to blackspots in all districts commences so as to curb illegal deposits of refuse and improve environmental hygiene.

8 June

The Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) (Amendment) Regulation 2018 which stipulates the updated standards for metallic contamination in food is gazetted.

28 June

A mobile app for Internet Memorial Service is launched to facilitate mobile device users to pay tribute to their beloved ones anytime and anywhere.

2 July to 7 September

The second phase of the Anti-rodent Campaign 2018 is launched to sustain and consolidate the work carried out during the first phase and to enhance rodent control measures in targeted areas.

6 to 8 July

The Department joins the 50+ Expo 2018 to promote green burial, including the scattering of ashes in Gardens of Remembrance and at sea, as well as the Internet Memorial Service and its newly-launched mobile application.

13 July

A graduation ceremony is held for 375 newly recruited officers in the ranks of Health Inspector II, Assistant Hawker Control Officer and Foreman who have completed Induction Training Programmes.

16 July

The Department starts accepting application for the new Shell Fish (Hairy Crab) Permit by operators selling hairy crabs with a view to enhancing regulation of the sale and storage of hairy crabs.

17 July

The Food Safety Day 2018 is held to promote the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system to the trade and the public as an effective way to ensure food safety by integrating food safety control measures into the food production process.

20 July

The Department starts the consultation with the District Council and stakeholders on the overhaul of Aberdeen Market under the Market Modernisation Programme.

24 July

The Centre for Food Safety adjusts import control on Japanese food under which import of vegetables, fruits, milk, milk beverages and dried milk from Ibaraki, Tochigi, Chiba and Gunma are permitted with conditions.

August

In response to the occurrence of the first case of African Swine Flu on the Mainland, the Government implements various preventive measures and devises contingency plans.

1 August

The Department starts the refurbishment and facelifting works at 23 public toilets at major tourist spots in phases to implement the initiative of improving the facilities and cleansing services of public toilets at major tourist spots as announced in the 2018 Policy Agenda.

10 August

The Centre for Food Safety releases results of a study on Perchlorate (an environmental contaminant) in Tea and Tea Beverages.

13 August to 19 October

The third phase of the Anti-mosquito Campaign 2018 is launched following the outbreak of local dengue fever (DF) cases. Mosquito control work is enhanced by conducting the territory-wide All-out Anti-mosquito Operation from 16 August to 15 October to concentrate on killing adult mosquitoes and to stop the spread of DF.

30 August

Improvement of fixed electrical installations of "Morning set-up, evening dismantle" hawker stalls in Temple Street hawker area (section between Saigon Street and Pak Hoi Street) to enhance fire safety is completed.

30 August

The Chief Secretary for Administration and the Secretary for Food and Health inspect the progress of the Government's anti-mosquito work on Cheung Chau.

4 September

For improving the hygiene conditions of 83 target public toilets at tourist spots or having very high usage rate, the Department has commenced deep cleansing operations and enhanced inspection and monitoring of the contractors' services.

12 September

Two additional phased Area Ovitrap Indices are released every month on FEHD website to keep the public abreast of the latest situation of mosquito infestation and facilitate the public and relevant government departments to take anti-mosquito action timely.

16 September

The Department commences the post-typhoon cleanup work after the passage of Super Typhoon Mangkhut.

27 September

Improvement of fixed electrical installations of "Morning set-up, evening dismantle" hawker stalls in Tung Choi Street hawker area (section between Shantung Street and Soy Street) to enhance fire safety is completed.

8 October to 7 December

The second round of the anti-rodent operation in designated target areas is launched in various districts to strengthen rodent prevention and control efforts at the district level.

10 October

The second phase of installation of Internet Protocol cameras commences which covers more blackspots in different districts to combat illegal deposits of refuse and improve environmental hygiene.

13 November

The Centre for Food Safety, together with the Department of Health and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, holds the Regional Symposium on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Hong Kong to call on healthcare professionals and the general public to work together on the safe use of antibiotics to combat AMR.

15 November

The Centre for Food Safety releases results of a study on Sodium, Total Fat and Trans Fat Contents in Local Bread conducted jointly with the Consumer Council.

28 November

The Report of the Director of Audit on the management of food safety and import control of food by the Centre of Food Safety is released.

10 December to 13 January 2019

The Department launches a special operation against irregularities of food premises giving rise to rodent infestation problem at rear lanes to reinforce the effectiveness of the anti-rodent operation in designated target areas.

31 December