Hong Kong launches third phase of anti-rat operation on food premises
Hong Kong's Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has launched the third phase of its anti-rat operation targeting food premises in shopping malls. The first two phases resulted in 196 prosecutions and 297 statutory pest notices. Authorities will inspect waste management facilities and may close
The Hong Kong Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has launched the third phase of its anti-rat operation, code-named 'Tin Lo', to crack down on rodent infestations in food premises and step up inspections of waste management facilities in shopping malls.
According to a department spokesman, the first two phases of the operation, which began on 30 September, targeted supermarkets, restaurants, other food premises and public markets. They resulted in 196 prosecutions, 297 statutory pest notices and 144 notices requiring food premises to improve cleanliness and carry out repairs.
In the third phase, inspectors will focus on restaurants in shopping malls and expand checks to other high-risk areas in the malls and nearby food premises. Particular attention will be paid to waste collection, kitchen waste handling and related facilities. Premises operators will be required to improve and speed up waste processing, implement rat-control measures, block rat holes and remove hiding places.
The department warned that any food premises found to have violated the Food Business Regulation or to have rats present will face strict enforcement action, including statutory notices and prosecution. In serious cases where legal conditions are met, the department can order the closure of food premises. If violations persist, it may suspend or revoke licences.
To improve environmental hygiene in private properties, the department has strengthened cooperation with the Property Management Industry Authority. The authority will distribute information on rat prevention to the property management sector and urge it to follow the 'Residential Building Rat Prevention and Control' good practice guide developed jointly with the department.
The spokesman stressed that maintaining community hygiene is everyone's responsibility. Food premises and shopping mall management must take responsibility for daily hygiene and rat prevention in their premises and public areas. The department will continue to follow up and review the effectiveness of rat-control efforts.