Hong Kong tainted pork scandal: questions on inspection process still hog public attention

The recent failure of the government to stop contaminated pork from making its way to dinner tables has raised questions over whether the authorities are doing enough to ensure food safety.

On August 4, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) discovered 319 pigs from Jiangxi province in south-east China had traces of salbutamol and clenbuterol. The prohibited drugs, used to treat asthma, also artificially enhance animal growth and leanness.

At least 40 pigs were found to have been sold to 27 retailers across the city when the problem came to light the next morning, but the public is still in the dark on the reasons behind the slip-up.

Health experts say consuming pork with high levels of the drug can lead to an increased heart rate, dizziness, headaches, trembling and nervousness. There have so far not been any reports of food poisoning and illnesses.

Hong Kong’s top health official Dr Ko Wing-man publicly apologised for the scandal, admitting that the government had made mistakes – possibly on “more than one level”. But Ko stopped short of saying whether the current system, which keeps pork quality standards in check, had any faults since an investigation is currently under way.