The FEHD is tasked to ensure that food available for human consumption is safe and properly labelled. It also aims to safeguard public health through testing and control of live food animals.

    Under the food surveillance programme, 55 515 samples were taken in 2002 for chemical, microbiological and/or radiological testing to ensure that food was fit for human consumption.

    During the year, 97 443 and 39 154 vehicles carrying food (vegetables and other food) and live food animals (pigs, cattle and poultry) were inspected at the Man Kam To Food Control Office and 269 790 blood and 71 689 urine samples were taken for testing for diseases and veterinary drug residues as prescribed by the law.

    The department continued to be active in promoting the adoption of the Food Safety Plan (FSP). This is a proactive food safety assurance model based on the principles of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point. In 2002, a Food Hygiene Campaign — which included seminars, workshops, and roving exhibitions — was launched to introduce to the public the concept of risk and risk management in the preparation and production of food, and promote the application of the FSP in enhancing food safety.

    In addition, the department continued to provide the public and trade with the most updated information on genetically modified (GM) food through various channels including seminars, roving exhibitions, pamphlets and the department's website. To assess the likely economic impact of introducing a GM food labelling scheme in Hong Kong, the Government commissioned a consultant to conduct a regulatory impact assessment study in 2002. Results of the study will be taken into account before the Government decides on the way forward regarding GM food labelling.