Deputy Director of Food & Environmental Hygiene Alice Lau says 77% of the poultry retail spots have met the required hygiene standard for resuming business on July 2.

Speaking to reporters today, Ms Lau said as of 6pm, 248 market stalls and 112 fresh provision shops have passed the department's hygiene requirement.

Meanwhile, 60 out of 64 markets with poultry stalls have been allowed to resume business. Related works are underway at the other outlets.

All retailers resuming business must comply with the new requirement to not keep live poultry on the premises over night between 8pm and 5am. Retailers must slaughter any live poultry in their premises by 8pm each day and then clean and disinfect the premises thoroughly.

Ms Lau said department staff will conduct inspections every day to ensure retailers comply with the new requirement. Offenders could have their licence  revoked, and be subject to a maximum penalty of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment.

Deputy Director of Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Lau Sin-pang said 6,700 live chickens and 1,000 pigeons have been imported to the wholesale market from the Mainland. Meanwhile, 23,000 live chickens from local farms are also available for sale.

He said department staff will monitor the demand and supply at the wholesale market, adding there will be labels to identify where and when the poultry are sent to the market.