The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department and the Shenzhen Entry-Exit Inspection & Quarantine Bureau signed a co-operation agreement in Shenzhen today under which frozen meat and poultry imported to Hong Kong from overseas will be allowed to be stored temporarily in the Qianhai Bonded Port Area of Shenzhen before its importation to Hong Kong in batches.
The move will meet the business demand without compromising food safety.
Director of Food & Environmental Hygiene Vivian Lau and Director-General of the Shenzhen Entry-Exit Inspection & Quarantine Bureau Zhao Zhenshuan signed the agreement. Chief Secretary Carrie Lam also attended the signing ceremony.
The department said the deal was reached after thorough discussions. It not only facilitates the business operation of the Hong Kong trade, but also leverages on the service functions of the Qianhai Bonded Port Area to establish a regulatory mode of 'shop in front, warehouse at back' for transhipment of frozen meat, which in turn enhances the inspection and quarantine co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong, and creates a more convenient and efficient business environment for the Hong Kong trade.
According to the agreement, Mainland authorities will implement inspection and quarantine of frozen meat in transhipment, including the monitoring of the facilities and temperatures of registered cold stores where frozen meat is stored, to ensure the hygiene and safety.
