The Health, Welfare & Food Bureau says the Government will adopt the "one licence one shop" policy for meat sale after consulting traders, importers, farmers, supermarkets and lawmakers.

The bureau rejected a radio programme host's claim that the idea reported in some newspapers today was another example of using a "test balloon" to gauge public opinion.

There have been divergent views on the issue in the past two years. However, most Legislative Council Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene Panel members have asked the Government to adopt the 'one shop, one licence' policy.

In January the panel passed a motion urging the Government to adopt such a policy, while in February it urged the Government to introduce legislation to implement the policy as soon as possible.

The bureau is now drafting amendments to the Food Business Regulation to prohibit the sale of fresh pork, beef or mutton with any chilled or frozen pork, beef or mutton in the same premises.