A legislation amendment empowering the Government to ban the sale and import of problematic food will be introduced to the Legislative Council in November, Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow says.

Speaking to reporters today, Dr Chow said the amended regulation will also allow the Government to exercise an order to recall and destroy the food.

He said the move will prevent suspicious food products from being sold to the public, adding the proposal has won unanimous support from legislators.

On healthcare service, he said services at public hospitals will not be reduced and the Government will increase Hospital Authority resources next year. The Government is also buying services from private service providers to increase the total capacity of healthcare service.

Healthcare reform options mooted

On healthcare reform, he said the Government is analysing views collected in the first-stage consultation and trying to develop an option that will be acceptable to the public.

"Of course a concern now is whether the financial situation in Hong Kong is so poor and people are willing to discuss something so long term. But I think this is something that would affect us all and particularly our next generation.