Crackdown on live birds

Source: Xinhua  |   2008-6-28  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

THE Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government gazetted yesterday the Food Business (Amendment) Regulation 2008, which requires no live poultry be kept at retail outlets overnight to protect public health and further reduce the risk posed by avian flu.

The new legislation provides that all people permitted by the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene of Hong Kong to sell live poultry by retail, including public market stalls and fresh provision shops selling live poultry, must slaughter any live poultry remaining in their stalls or shops by 8pm every day.

Live poultry will not be allowed at such premises from 8pm to 5am the following day.

Offenders could have their licences revoked, and be subject to a maximum penalty of HK$50,000 (US$6,410) and a six-month imprisonment.

Retailers are also required to thoroughly cleanse and disinfect the retail premises every night and strictly adhere to existing measures such as wearing protective gear.