The proposed poultry abattoir will invite open tenders next year for operation in 2011, the Food & Health Bureau says.

The bureau proposes banning the retail sale of live poultry and the sale of poultry that has not been slaughtered in the plant unless it has been legally imported.

In a Legislative Council paper today the bureau proposed allowing the plant to produce freshly slaughtered chicken, in addition to chilled chicken. Freshly slaughtered chicken will help enhance the viability of the plant, accommodate people's culinary preference, and reduce the impact of central slaughtering to live poultry wholesalers and retailers.

The bureau said the plant licensee will not refuse admission of live poultry or the provision of slaughtering services to any parties without lawful excuse, so as to ensure the licensee provides a level playing field.

The licensee must adopt a standard slaughtering fee and seek prior approval for engaging in other businesses such as importing, distributing and processing of poultry.

Although the plant will impact the trade the new operating environment will provide new business opportunities for traders, the bureau said.