Gov't seeks feedback on proposed amendments to Food Adulteration Regulations

The public can submit their views on the proposals via email or post until 16 February.

The government has launched a public consultation exercise on proposed amendments to the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations (Cap. 132V) until 16 February 2025.

The initiative is part of the measures outlined in the Supplement of the Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address, which aims to review food safety standards in alignment with international benchmarks. A government spokesperson said the objective is to enhance public health protection, facilitate effective regulation, and harmonise local food safety standards with international practices.

Drawing on the latest standards from the Codex Alimentarius Commission and major food-importing regions, including Mainland China, the government has proposed adding 27 new maximum levels (MLs) for metals such as lead, cadmium, and methylmercury in specific food categories. 

Additionally, nine existing MLs for lead will be updated. If the amendments are enacted, the total number of MLs under the regulations will increase to 171 from 144.

The government has proposed an 18-month transitional period following the enactment of the amendments to give the food industry and other stakeholders ample time to adjust and comply with the revised regulations.

The consultation document is available from the Environment and Ecology Bureau and the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. The public can submit their feedback on the proposals via email or post during the consultation period.

Additionally, the government will organise consultation forums to gather public views. Details of these forums can be found on the CFS website.