Half to shun freshwater species for three months
Nearly half of respondents to a survey have sworn off freshwater fish for at least three months in the wake of the malachite green scare.
The poll also found that 80 per cent of respondents expressed no confidence in the safety of food from the mainland. The Democratic Party conducted the survey, interviewing 609 people by telephone last week.
About a third of respondents said they would consume freshwater fish within the coming three months despite the concerns about health risks.
A little more than half said they would pay extra for labelling that guaranteed food safety.
Just a third said they were satisfied with the government's handling of the food safety crisis.
Thirty-six per cent said the food safety notification system between the mainland and Hong Kong was inadequate, while just 16 per cent believed communication was smooth. However, during last week's sampling, the government announced improvements to the notification system.
The party said the move to import fish only from farms accredited by mainland authorities with the approval of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department was a good step.
It also called for a speedy update by health officials on banned substances or chemicals used in food and for a new food testing laboratory to be established.
