Replies to LegCo questions

LCQ1: Food labelling

Following is a question by the Dr Hon Lui Ming-wah and a reply by the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr York Chow, in the Legislative Council today (June 1):


Question:


Will the Government inform this Council whether:


(a) imported food products which only have food labels of the places of production but not those required by the Hong Kong authorities can be sold in Hong Kong; if so, of the reasons for that; if not, the reasons for that; and


(b) local food products for export, which comply with the food labelling requirements of the importing places, can be sold in Hong Kong; if not, the reasons for that?


Reply:


Madam President,


(a) All food for sale in Hong Kong, whether imported or manufactured locally, should comply with the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Hong Kong Law Cap. 132) and the Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations (Hong Kong Law Cap. 132 sub. leg. W) and be marked and labelled appropriately, including the list of ingredients, allergens, additives, statement of special conditions for storage or instructions for use, and information of manufacturer or packer, etc. The labels should not falsely describe the food, or mislead consumers as to the nature, substance or quality of the food.


(b) If local food products for export, which comply with the food labelling requirements of the importing places, are to be offered for sale in Hong Kong, they must also comply with the labelling requirements in Hong Kong. Same as other countries or areas, Hong Kong has set up food labelling schemes suitable for Hong Kong residents based on local condition and public health situation. This facilitates consumers making use of relevant information to choose food meeting their health condition and preference.



Ends/Wednesday, June 1, 2005

NNNN