Press Releases

Food safety ensured for East Asian Games (with photos)

The Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, today (December 3) inspected the operation of the 2009 East Asian Games (EAG) catering service providers and hotels, and was briefed on the strategy that had been mapped out and implemented to ensure food safety during the games period.

Accompanying him on the visit were Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) officials who said that a Food Safety Advisory Team had been set up to work closely with the designated caterers for competition venues and hotels for athletes and guests, to assist them in developing safe menus and implementing an effective food safety management system. The team has also provided professional advice and training on food safety to catering staff and conducted regular site inspections and auditing.

During the East Asian Games, the FEHD will deploy staff to supervise at hotels for athletes, event venues and celebration venues to monitor the food catering service for implementation of an effective food safety management system.

The department has also enhanced food surveillance by conducting a targeted food surveillance programme with about 2,000 food samples having been taken from relevant caterers, hotels, suppliers and food premises in the vicinity of event venues and tourist areas for microbiological and chemical tests. All test results were satisfactory.

The department has taken part in inter-departmental drills and exercises concerning food incidents. During the past few months, seminars and workshops were also held for more than 2,000 catering managers and food handlers to remind them of the key steps in maintaining food safety, including hygiene practices and proper temperature for food storage.

The FEHD will continue to monitor local and overseas food incidents and maintain close liaison with relevant authorities.

Dr Chow said after the inspection, "We attach great importance to food safety for the successful hosting of the EAG. Through concerted efforts by the Government, the EAG Company, the food trade and the public, we are confident that food safety during the EAG can be ensured."


Ends/Thursday, December 3, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:55

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