Press Releases
Progress of cleaning up plastic pellets scattered on beaches, at sea and in fish culture zones
The Government today (September 5) continued to clean up the plastic pellets
scattered on beaches, in fish culture zones and at sea after the typhoon.
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (as at 4pm today)
Location: Chi Ma Wan, Shap Long San Tsuen, Wang Tong, Ngau Kwu Wan,
Silvermine Bay, Cheung Sha Wan, Tso Wan and Sam Pak Wan, Nim Shue Wan and
Cheung Sha Lan, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island; Tung Wan, Peng Chau; Tung Wan,
Cheung Chau; Tung O Wan, Shek Pai Wan, Sham Wan and Tai Wan To, Lamma
Island; Stanley Bay; and Siu Lam, Tuen Mun.
Quantity: 5.8 kilograms
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) tested 10 marine fish samples today, and
revealed that no plastic pellets were detected. Since August 6, the CFS has
tested 740 marine fish samples in the wholesale and retail markets of Hong
Kong and no plastic pellets were detected. Tests conducted so far have
suggested that the pellet incident has not caused an adverse impact on food
safety. Although the food safety risk remains low, members of the public
should check and clean fish thoroughly and remove all internal organs before
cooking. The CFS will continue to closely monitor marine fish sold on the
market to ensure food safety.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) did not
receive reports of the presence of plastic pellets or abnormal fish death at
fish culture zones from mariculturists today. The AFCD collected five live
fish samples from Cheung Sha Wan fish culture zone today and no plastic
pellets were detected.
The Marine Police has reported the presence of trace amounts of plastic
pellets at Shek Pai Wan and Tung O Wan, Lamma Island. The relevant
departments have deployed manpower for the necessary clean-up action, and
will continue to closely monitor the distribution of plastic pellets.
A Government spokesman said that the Government will continue its
inter-departmental monitoring operations. Clean-up action will be carried
out as soon as plastic pellets are detected so as to minimise the impact of
the incident on the environment, food safety and human health.
Ends/Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:47
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