The proposed composite licence scheme for the manufacture and sale of ready-to-eat food items has been revised, taking into account comments from lawmakers and the food trade, the Food & Health Bureau says.

The bureau told lawmakers today the proposed comprehensive composite licence system has been expanded to cover the manufacture and sale of soft ice-cream, frozen carbonated beverages, coffee and tea, and salad, sandwiches and waffles.

Under the proposed scheme an applicant will have the choice of any combination of 16 food items set out here. All licensing requirements and conditions pertaining to the applicant's chosen combination of food items will be issued in one go. A composite licence will be issued upon compliance with all necessary licensing requirements and conditions.

Certification approach

Since the food items covered by the proposed system do not involve any complicated food-handling procedures, certificates issued by authorised people or registered professionals to confirm compliance with hygiene requirements for the issuance of a composite licence will be accepted.

To simplify the licensing requirements without compromising the integrity of the licensing regime, the bureau has proposed removing the requirement for the walls and ceiling of the food room of licensed premises to be light-coloured. The shared use of certain work areas and facilities, like basins and sinks, among different food items covered by a composite licence will also be allowed.

Premises covered by the proposed composite licence will be subject to the same regulatory controls applicable to other food businesses, including the demerit points and warning-letter systems, subject to any necessary adaptations.

Charging mechanism

The bureau suggests applying the same fee scale applicable to food factories so the licence fee will vary according to the size of the premises. The exact fee-charging mechanism is being worked out and the trade will be informed of the fee levels.

Since the objective of introducing a composite licence is to offer operators greater choice and flexibility, it will be an addition to the existing types of licences and will not replace any of them. This will best facilitate the trade without compromising on environmental hygiene requirements and food safety.

Legislative revisions will be tabled to lawmakers this year.