The Centre for Food Safety (CFS), a division of Hong Kong’s Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, has announced a temporary suspension on the import of poultry meat and related products from specific regions in South Korea. This precautionary measure follows the recent outbreak of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Gunsan-si, located in the Jeollabuk-do province of South Korea.
The decision was made to safeguard public health in Hong Kong, reflecting the government’s commitment to preventing potential risks associated with the outbreak. As a result, imports of poultry products from the affected areas, including both meat and eggs, are currently on hold.
In 2024, Hong Kong imported approximately 80 tons of fresh and refrigerated poultry meat, along with more than 20 million poultry eggs, from South Korea, according to data from the Census and Statistics Department. Given the volume of these imports, the suspension was deemed necessary to protect public health and ensure consumer safety.
Following the emergence of H5N1 in South Korea, Hong Kong authorities have been in close communication with their South Korean counterparts, continuously monitoring the situation. The CFS has assured the public that appropriate measures will be taken depending on the developments of the outbreak. The suspension will remain in effect until it is deemed safe to resume imports from the affected areas.
The CFS reiterated its commitment to public health and emphasized that the situation will be regularly assessed. Authorities are working closely with South Korean officials to ensure a coordinated response, with the aim of mitigating any risks associated with the avian influenza outbreak.
Hong Kong residents and businesses involved in the poultry industry have been advised to stay updated on any new developments, and to follow any further guidance from the CFS as the situation evolves.
