Customs warns against bringing foods containing raw meat into Hong Kong

Wallis Wang

Customs has reminded people that any food containing raw meat, including dumplings and wontons, is prohibited from being brought into Hong Kong as there has been an alarming increase in illegal food imports.

According to Customs, there were 1,324 cases of illegal food imports in the first eight months of this year - surpassing the total of 1,019 cases recorded for all of last year.

Jacqueline Lee Lai-yee, deputy head of the Land Boundary Command of Customs, said over 60 percent of these illegal imports involved raw meat, including pork, beef, and poultry.

"Many travelers find it convenient to bring meat back to Hong Kong after enjoying their time in the mainland," Lee said.

She added that travelers often fail to use proper insulation to preserve the meat, with many carrying it in suitcases, shopping trolleys, or even plastic bags - similar to how they might transport food in wet markets in Hong Kong.

Lee also said around 20 percent of cases involve meat that has been handled in specific ways, such as vacuum packing, foil wrapping, or blanching.

"Raw meat wrapped in tinfoil can be easily detected by our inspection machines or discovered by Customs officers," she said.

Lee also said blanched meat is not fully cooked, often leaking bloody fluids, which makes it clear that the meat is undercooked.

Such cases are referred to the Centre for Food Safety.

Lee reiterated that food containing raw meat - including meatballs, dumplings, and wontons - is banned from being brought into Hong Kong. To address the issue, Customs plans to enhance promotion and public education to raise awareness about the risks of illegal food imports.

Under the Import and Export Ordinance, Customs said that each consignment of imported meat and poultry requires an import license from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department.

Additionally, the Imported Game, Meat, Poultry, and Eggs Regulations mandate that each consignment must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by the relevant authority in the place of origin to obtain import permission from the FEHD.

wallis.wang@singtaonewscorp.com