Online food trade in Hong Kong set for new guidelines following food scandals

Online food traders will be required to display licences on their websites and ensure the proper temperature during delivery, under new guidelines announced yesterday that are seen as a reaction to several food scandals this year.

Health secretary Dr Ko Wing-man told the Legislative Council the measures will come into force in the first quarter of next year.

For operators selling produce categorised as "restricted" without a physical premise, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will require them to display their food licence or permit numbers, as well as a business address on all websites and publicity materials.

They will also be required to maintain proper storage temperature of food at all times during delivery. Chilled meat must be kept at 0 degrees Celsius or below, while sashimi must be kept between 0 and 4 degrees.

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The same requirements will also apply to premises with food business licences that sell online.

While the measures will cover all licences issued from early next year onwards, they will also be applied to existing licences when they come up for renewal.