Press Releases

Task force to enhance communication on importation of freshwater fish

In response to press enquiries, a spokesman for the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau (HWFB) today (April 19) confirmed that there was a total of 76 cases since January 2006 in which imported freshwater fish from the Mainland did not attest with a health certificate issued by the Mainland authorities.

Speaking after an inter-departmental meeting chaired by the Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Mrs Carrie Yau, this morning, the spokesman said it was agreed that an interdepartmental task force should be set up to look into the matter.

"Management of the departments will investigate into the matter with a view to enhancing the system of communication and interfacing between departments.

"The inter-departmental task force is set up at the operational level to ensure concerted action against unloading of freshwater fish without health certificate," the spokesman said.

In the meantime, both the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) have made arrangements to deal with consignments landing in the wholesale markets without proper documentation. As and required, police assistance will be enlisted.

Led by HWFB, the working group comprises representatives from AFCD, FEHD and the Customs and Excise Department.


Ends/Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Issued at HKT 20:45

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