Press Releases
SFH satisfied with arrangements for resumption of live poultry trading
The Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, said today (July 2) he was
satisfied with the arrangements for the resumption of trading of live poultry.
Dr Chow thanked the traders for their co-operation and the public for their
support.
"This has facilitated the smooth implementation of no live poultry at retail
outlets overnight from the outset."
Dr Chow explained that for public health reasons, the Government had to prohibit
the stocking of live poultry at retail outlets overnight to minimise the risk of
virus accumulating in the environment of the retail outlets.
He also said that with the threat of avian influenza, the Government had to
adopt the new policy of no overnight stocking of live poultry at retail outlets
before the implementation of separation of humans from live poultry. He called
on traders to thoroughly cleanse and disinfect the retail premises and related
facilities every night, to strictly adhere to existing control measures and to
fully co-operate with the Government. Trading of live poultry should be
conducted in a safe and hygienic environment, he said.
As regards the buy-out proposals, Dr Chow said, " The live poultry trade has
expressed the view that implementation of the ban on overnight stocking will
seriously affect their operation. The Government has proposed a package for live
poultry traders who will choose to surrender their licences or tenancies. There
is a limit to the amount of ex-gratia payments and there is not much room for
adjustment. I hope the traders will consider the package carefully and
practically.
"We know that some traders may choose to continue with their operation. However,
they should bear the operational risks should there be any outbreak of avian
influenza and business disruption in the future."
The detection of avian influenza virus in environmental samples in four markets
on June 11 prompted the Government to suspend live chicken retail operation for
21 days. Trading of live poultry resumed today.
Ends/Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:28
NNNN