Replies to LegCo questions

LCQ16: Whole-day primary schools order lunchboxes

Following is a question by the Hon Eric Li and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong, in the Legislative Council today (February 26):

Question:

As many students studying in whole-day primary schools order lunchboxes from food suppliers through their schools collectively, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the number of licensed food suppliers which are providing lunchboxes to schools; and

(b) whether it has laid down standards on the nutrient composition and hygiene level of such lunchboxes and asked food suppliers to follow them; if it has, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

Madam President,

(a)According to information provided by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), there is a total of 46 licensed food suppliers providing lunchboxes to whole-day primary schools in the territory.

(b)To help ensure food safety, lunch box suppliers are required under the Food Business Regulation to obtain a valid food factory licence before operation. Apart from fulfilling general licensing conditions on installation of necessary sanitary fitments/facilities in their premises, they have to observe the following requirements when processing and delivering lunch boxes:-

* Food must be stored in tightly covered or wrapped containers made of materials that will not release toxic chemicals.

* Meal boxes must be stored in suitable warming or refrigerating devices during transportation. In the course of delivery, hot meals must be kept at above 63 degrees Celsius and food to be eaten cold at below four degrees Celsius.

* Vehicles for delivery of meal boxes must be frequently cleansed and disinfected. During transportation, meal boxes should be securely fastened to avoid food spillage and contamination.

* Licensees must keep complete records showing the dates and types of food supplied, as well as the names and addresses of schools to which the meals are supplied. Such records should be available for FEHD staff's inspection at any time.

We are mindful that school authorities also play a pivotal role in ensuring the provision of hygienic and nutritious lunchboxes to students. The Education and Manpower Bureau (EMB) has issued guidelines calling on schools to order meal boxes from licensed food suppliers only and to pay attention to the packing and transportation methods used. Separately, FEHD has been assisting school authorities in choosing suitable lunchbox suppliers through seminars, educational leaflets, web-pages and an enquiry hotline.

The Department of Health has issued guidelines on healthy menu for reference by schools and lunchbox suppliers. To promote the nutrition standards of lunchboxes supplied to whole-day students when ordering the meals, EMB has promulgated guidelines advising schools how to order lunchboxes that meet students' energy and nutrition requirements. For example, schools have been reminded to include leafy vegetables and fruits in their students' meals and to avoid deep-fried food, fatty or highly processed food.

End/Wednesday, February 26, 2003
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