The Government Laboratory offers a comprehensive range of analytical and advisory services to support the Government in upholding its various commitments to protect public health.

In 2005, 136 053 tests on a wide range of food samples were carried out for surveillance and for verifying compliance with the statutory standards. Increasing public concern in food quality and safety issues is evidenced by a general increase in workload, in particular with the significant increase in food complaint cases. The laboratory has also rendered urgent analytical services on various ad hoc issues during the year including the examination of suspected Sudan dyes and the residues of malachite green. Enhanced analytical support was provided to reinforce the existing food surveillance programme.

The laboratory has continued to provide a comprehensive analytical service to ensure the quality of Western and Chinese medicines that constitute an indispensable part of the healthcare system. In 2005, 44 175 tests were carried out on Western pharmaceutical products for compliance with the international or other acceptable standards in quality and safety. At the same time, 53 022 tests for heavy metal and pesticide residue content and adulteration with Western drugs or controlled substances were conducted on proprietary Chinese medicines and herbal medicines. In addition, the laboratory provided full support to investigations on cases of adverse reaction or intoxication incidents related to Chinese medicines, such as the testing for aristolochic acid and aconitum alkaloids and it continued to participate in the development of regulatory standards for Chinese medicinal herbs in Hong Kong.

The laboratory sustained its surveillance of tar and nicotine yields in cigarettes. Some 13 000 examinations were conducted during the year. The results were published in the annual table for public information and affirmed by tobacco traders.