Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FEHD launches second phase of “Operation Skynet” today to inspect public markets after achieving significant results in first phase
The first phase of “Operation Skynet” covered supermarkets, restaurants and other food premises across all districts. During the operation, FEHD officers focused on reviewing the environmental hygiene and refuse management of these premises to ensure proper waste disposal, checking goods shelves, refrigerators and food storage areas to ensure cleanliness and hygiene, and thoroughly inspecting for signs of pest and rodent activity to identify root causes and potential risks.
During the operation, FEHD officers conducted a total of 1 177 inspections against supermarkets, issued 65 statutory Notices of Elimination of Vermin, 25 Notices of Requirement to Cleanse and Repair Food Premises and two warnings, and initiated 14 prosecutions; conducted a total of 432 inspections against restaurants, issued 35 statutory Notices of Elimination of Vermin, 41 Notices of Requirement to Cleanse and Repair Food Premises and six warnings, and initiated 65 prosecutions; and conducted 321 inspections against other food premises, issued 20 statutory Notices of Elimination of Vermin and 17 Notices of Requirement to Cleanse and Repair Food Premises, and initiated 24 prosecutions. The department will continue to follow up on these findings, and to step up follow-up inspections and take further enforcement action where necessary.
A spokesman for the FEHD said that any premises (including supermarkets) selling pre-made and prepackaged cooked foods, sushi and sashimi must obtain the relevant licence or restricted food permit issued by the FEHD and comply with the applicable licensing conditions. The department has been flexibly deploying resources in light of the actual circumstances, and adopting a risk-based strategy for inspections and enforcement actions to safeguard public health.
The spokesman stressed that maintaining environmental hygiene in the community is everyone’s responsibility. Pest and rodent control as well as food safety rely on the concerted efforts of the Government, the trade and the public. The FEHD will continue to closely monitor the hygiene conditions of various food premises through a multipronged approach, combining risk-based inspections with publicity, education and community collaboration. Should irregularities be found, the department will take immediate enforcement action to diligently perform its gatekeeping role in protecting food safety and safeguarding environmental hygiene for the public.Issued at HKT 17:55
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