The Government today launched a public consultation on proposed amendments to the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations.

One of the initiatives outlined in the Supplement to the 2024 Policy Address was a review of those regulations, with reference to international standards and practices, in order to enhance public health protection.

With reference to the latest standards in the Codex Alimentarius Commission, and those of major food importing economies, including Mainland China, the Government proposes to add 27 new maximum levels (MLs) for specified metals, including lead, cadmium and methylmercury, in specified foods. It also intends to update nine MLs for lead in existing food pairs.

The total number of MLs will increase from 144 to 171 after the amendment.

The Government proposes that a transitional period of 18 months be allowed after the enactment of the amended legislation, to give the food trade and other stakeholders reasonable time to comply with the updated regulations.

The consultation document is available on the websites of the Environment & Ecology Bureau and the Centre for Food Safety (CFS).

Views can be sent by email, faxed to 2893 3547 or posted to 43/F, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong by February 16, 2025.

The Government will also conduct consultation forums to collect views.