The Government today released a consultation document on amending safety standards for edible fats and oils.
Through legislative amendments, it wants to strengthen the regulation of edible fats and oils manufactured locally and those imported into and exported from Hong Kong, and promote the recycling of "waste cooking oils".
The measures are to further safeguard public health and protect the environment.
The consultation exercise will last three months.
Secretary for Food & Health Dr Ko Wing-man said a multi-pronged approach should be adopted in respect of the overall production and supply chain of edible fats and oils in the local market, to ensure the safety of these products which are imported into and exported from Hong Kong, as well as those sold and manufactured locally.
"Measures to be taken include formulating specific regulatory requirements, improving source management, strengthening inspection and testing during the production process, enhancing food traceability, monitoring the disposal of waste oils and putting in place export regulatory arrangements."
The Government wants to make it a statutory requirement that waste cooking oils, as well as oils not intended for human consumption, should not be used as ingredients for edible fats and oils manufactured locally and those imported into and exported from Hong Kong.
It will require edible fats and oils manufactured locally and those imported into and exported from Hong Kong to be accompanied by an official certificate or a certificate issued by an officially recognised independent testing institution certifying the products fulfil statutory safety standards.
The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department will regulate local edible fat and oil production activities through its routine inspection and enforcement work.
The regulation will be incorporated into the conditions of licences issued under the Food Business Regulation. The licences of those who are found to be in breach of the condition may be cancelled.
The Environmental Protection Department wants to amend the Waste Disposal Ordinance by introducing licences for the collection, disposal and import-export of waste cooking oils.
People collecting, trading, or disposing of waste cooking oils without a licence will be liable to a fine or imprisonment.
Anyone, including waste cooking oil producers like restaurants and food factories, who allow or cause waste cooking oils to be sold, delivered, collected or handed over to a party without a licence will commit an offence.
The Government will require all restaurants, factory canteens, food factories and bakeries to hand over their waste cooking oils to licensed collectors for disposal. They will also be required to keep records.
The Government welcomes the public's views on the measures. Click here for the consultation document.
