To align with global trends, the Centre for Food Safety has proposed a three-tier food-surveillance strategy, which includes routine, targeted and seasonal food checks.

In a report to the Legislative Council, the centre said it would continue to conduct routine surveillance on food available in Hong Kong and release the findings in terms of:

* food groups - such as fruits and vegetables, meat, seafood and cereals;

* hazard groups - such as heavy metals, pesticides, veterinary drugs and pathogens; and

* items of particular public concern, such as sudan dyes or carcinogenic chemicals.

It will also monitor both local and international food incidents, which may have implications for the community, and do checks for specific food hazard. It will publish related safety information.

Checks conducted so far this year include tests for formaldehyde in noodlefish, and nitrate and nitrite in meat.

For seasonal food surveillance, announcements are made once results of initial samples are available. Results of further samples are released shortly before the festival or season.

The centre also releases its food-surveillance findings through press briefings and its website.

Lab work may be outsourced

The Government Laboratory is exploring the possibility of outsourcing to private laboratories part of the straight-forward analytical work which is unrelated to prosecution action.

The move will free up resources for more complex and crucial duties, which require a higher level of expertise given the increased food incidents.

The laboratory has engaged the Efficiency Unit to carry out a six-month study to identify outsourcing opportunities.