Closely monitored: More food samples will be taken for testing to ensure food safety.

About 500 additional food samples have been tested monthly since October to address the public's food safety concerns, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow says, adding the practice will be reviewed after a year.

He noted that the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department's existing manpower is sufficient to cope with the food surveillance work.

Replying to lawmaker Fred Li's query in the Legislative Council, Dr Chow said the department's food surveillance programme covers import, wholesale and retail levels. About 54,000 samples are taken each year for microbiological and chemical testing.

Dr Chow highlighted the number is based on population size, with a target of testing eight samples for every 1,000 people in Hong Kong a year. This target has been consistently achieved.

On the sampling strategy, Dr Chow said it is risk-based and refers to the latest developments in food-risk analyses conducted overseas and locally. In addition to foods with specific standards stipulated in the law, particular attention is paid to sample foods such as those implicated in previous food poisoning outbreaks, food safety incidents, or those being manufactured by or sold in previously convicted food premises.

The department will also conduct checks on foods which are subjects of public complaint or concern.