Press Releases

Hong Kong delegation visits hairy crab farms in Taihu (with photos)

Acting Permanent Secretary for Food and Health (Food), Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, and the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Mr Eddy Chan Yuk-tak, visited hairy crab farms at Taihu in Jiangsu province today (September 3).

Accompanied by the Assistant Counsel of the Department of Animal and Plant Quarantine of the State General Administration for Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, Mr Feng Xueping, and Deputy Director of the Jiangsu Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau (JSCIQ), Mr Chen Jiandong, Mr Cheuk and Mr Chan noted the effects of the blue green algae bloom occurred earlier this year on hairy crab farming in the area. They were briefed on water quality of Taihu, monitoring and control of the blue green algae, and quarantine and inspection of hairy crabs.

The delegation learned that the blue green algae mainly affected the north-west part of Taihu, which was 65 kilometres from the hairy crab farms located in the south-east. It was satisfied with the water quality, the control measures against blue green algae, and the quarantine and inspection of hairy crabs.

The group learned that some 20,000 factories along the area affected by the blue green algae were closed. The authorities diverted water from Changjiang River via Wangyu River to Taihu to keep lake water circulating. Besides, the water currents and winds formed a natural barrier to contain the blue green algae from spreading to the south-east.

Waterweeds in the hairy crab farming area in Taihu grow lushly. This reflects the water is of good quality. The JSCIQ collects water samples from the lake for tests on the 10th, 20th and 30th every month. The level of nitrogen detected in the water was normal and no blue green algae toxin was found.

For tests on water quality and hairy crabs, the levels of heavy metals detected were satisfactory. No prohibited veterinary drug residues such as nitrofurans, chloramphenicol and malachite green were found.

The delegation also visited the hairy crab farms and had a deeper understanding of the regular monitoring and surveillance work of the JSCIQ. Tests for blue green algae toxin and veterinary drug residues in hairy crabs are also conducted.

Samples are collected again before the hairy crabs leave the farms for tests for veterinary drug residues.

The local authorities also introduced to the delegation a piloted "Two-dimensional Code" sealing and labelling system. A label with information about the origin, transportation, quarantine and inspection of the hairy crabs would be attached to each basket to prevent tampering or illegal mixing of the products in the journey to Shenzhen and Hong Kong to ensure that the crabs are safe for consumption.

Accompanying Mr Cheuk and Mr Chan to visit Taihu was Veterinary Officer (Food of Animal Origin), Dr To Man Wai, of the Centre for Food Safety. The delegation will return to Hong Kong this evening.


Ends/Monday, September 3, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:01

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