Pre-statutory voluntary notification scheme to start on August 1
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) is to launch a pre-statutory voluntary notification scheme for game, meat and poultry meat importers and distributors from August 1.
"The Government is drafting a food safety bill. The new food safety legislation will introduce new concepts and principles, which include clearly defining the food safety requirements and responsibilities of food business operators," a CFS spokesman said today (July 26).
One of the new measures is to require local food importers and distributors to enrol with the CFS to facilitate the identification of the importers and distributors, tracing the source of food and taking follow-up action in case of any food incident.
"Before the enactment of the new legislation and the mandatory notification scheme coming into force, we will introduce the Pre-statutory Voluntary Notification Scheme for Food Importers and Distributors to enable the trade to become familiar with the future mandatory notification requirement," the spokesman said.
"It will also help us identify the food importers and distributors so that we can enlist their support and co-operation in the event of a food incident."
As a start, the CFS will, from August 1, accept notification from game, meat and poultry meat importers and distributors. They are encouraged to notify the CFS of their business registration number, address, telephone number and person-in-charge.
The CFS today conducted a briefing on the notification scheme for game, meat and poultry meat importers and distributors and also listened to their views.
The timetable for the pre-statutory voluntary notification for other food importers and distributors is as follows:
| Time | Food types |
|---|---|
| September 2007 | live food animals/poultry |
| October 2007 | milk, milk beverage, cream and frozen confection |
| November 2007 | vegetables and fruits |
| December 2007 | fish and fishery products |
| Afterwards | other food categories |
The list of importers and distributors will be uploaded on to the CFS website (www.cfs.gov.hk) after the information provided by the participating importers and distributors has been collated for the reference of local wholesalers and retailers.
Application forms are available at the CFS on 43rd floor, Queensway Government Offices and can be downloaded from the CFS website. Applicants can also fill in the electronic notification form on the website and submit it to the CFS.
Game, meat and poultry meat importers and distributors are welcome to call the CFS on 2867 5582 during office hours if they have any questions on the notification scheme.
Ends/Thursday, July 26, 2007
