At present, fresh meat in Hong Kong is supplied from three slaughterhouses: Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse, Tsuen Wan Slaughterhouse and Cheung Chau Slaughterhouse. The FEHD assumes the role of the managing authority to monitor and oversee the operation of these slaughterhouses.

During the year, 44 461 animal health certificates and 26 846 admission forms for local pigs were verified at slaughterhouses. To enhance food safety and public health protection, 69 127 urine and tissue samples were collected from slaughterhouse animals for testing for veterinary drug residues. A total of 2 246 980 pigs, 47 727 cattle and 6 706 goats were slaughtered and examined in the three slaughterhouses. Meat supplied from slaughterhouses is subject to inspection by health inspectors and only meat fit for human consumption is released for sale in the market.

The Intelligence Unit of the department continued its role in cracking down on illegal slaughtering activities. Owing to the department's stringent enforcement action, most of the illegal slaughtering activities have subsided. As a result of well organised covert surveillance, five successful raids were mounted against such activities, leading to the arrest of five culprits and the seizure of about 1 200 kilograms of pork.

With regard to meat smuggling, staff of the Intelligence Unit worked jointly with the Customs and Excise Department in conducting six large-scale raids, resulting in six arrests and the seizure of 76 400 kilograms of smuggled meat.