More Mainland live chickens will be imported January 27 to February 7 to meet Lunar New Year demand.

The Health, Welfare & Food Bureau said the arrangements will be carried out in three stages:

* stage one (from January 27 to 29): 40,000 birds;

* stage two (January 30 to February 4): 50,000; and,

* stage three (February 5 to 7): 70,000.

The temporary increase will be regularly reviewed and suitable adjustments to the quantity may be made in light of the market situation.

Daily imports from the Mainland will return to 30,000 from February 8.