Introduction
One of the initiatives set out in the Supplement of the Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address is to review food safety standards regarding metal content in food under the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations (the Regulations) with reference to international standards and practices, with a view to formulating legislative amendment proposals and launching public consultation in 2024-25.
The Government conducted a review of the Regulations with a view to better protecting public health, facilitating effective regulation and promoting harmonisation between local and international standards. The proposed amendments to the Regulations aim to keep abreast of international development on maximum levels (MLs) of metallic contaminants in food. Twenty-seven new MLs for specified metal in specified food (food pair) are proposed to be added and 9 MLs for existing food pairs are proposed to be updated in the Regulations, with reference to the latest standards of Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) and major food importing places. The total number of MLs will increase from 144 to 171 in Part 2 of the Schedule to the Regulations.
Technical meeting (March 2025 – ongoing)
The first meeting to discuss with trade and other interested stakeholders on technical issues related to the proposed amendments to Cap. 132V will be arranged.
1st Meeting (20 March 2025)
- Invitation letter with agenda
- Powerpoints
Public Consultation (16 December 2024 – 16 February 2025)
The public consultation period was ended on 16 February 2025.
Two consultation forums (27 December 2024 and 17 January 2025) on the Proposed Amendments to the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations have been arranged.
Typhoon and Adverse Weather Arrangement
- If the Hong Kong Observatory still holds Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or “extreme conditions” 4 hours before the start of the meeting, the meeting will be cancelled.
- If Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or “extreme conditions” is issued (or will be issued) 2 hours before the meeting starts, the meeting will also be cancelled.
- If the Hong Kong Observatory issues a forecast or hoists Typhoon Signal No. 8 or above during the meeting, the meeting will be cancelled immediately.
- If the black rainstorm warning signal is hoisted by the Hong Kong Observatory during the meeting, the meeting will continue.
