The Centre for Food Safety is seeking views on the proposed regulatory framework for pesticide residues in food.

In a LegCo paper submitted today, the centre proposed adopting the definitions of pesticide and other related terms from the Codex Alimentarius Commission when defining the key terms in the new subsidiary legislation.

The centre also proposed adopting a "positive list" approach in the regulatory framework for pesticide residues in food as this approach clearly defines which pesticides are allowed and the corresponding standards. 

2-step approach

A two-step approach will be used to determine the standards for Hong Kong. The first step is to adopt the standards the Codex recommends as the backbone, supplemented by Mainland standards and those of other major food-supplying countries for Hong Kong.

As a second step, risk -assessment studies will be conducted using internationally accepted methods to assess whether the proposed standards are adequate to protect public health in the local setting. It is estimated that maximum residue levels of about 400 pesticides will be adopted.

To tie in with the "positive list" approach, it is necessary to deal with pesticide residues for which no standards have been specified in the subsidiary legislation. It is proposed to set a "default value" - the residue level below which is considered acceptable, for those chemicals with no standards specified.

Grace period

A list of "exempted substances" will be developed to facilitate the trade to use pesticides that are natural and the residues of which are identical to or indistinguishable from natural food components.

The centre also proposed adopting the Codex's classification of foods and granting a two-year grace period for implementing the subsidiary legislation.

For details of the consultation document, click here. The consultation will last until January 31. Two public consultation forums will be held on December 7 and 18. Call 2381 6096 for details and reservations

Comments should be sent by post to 43/F, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway; by fax to 2893 3547; or by email to pesticide_consultation@fehd.gov.hk. For enquiries, call 2867 5699.