Cat meat destined for human consumption seized in raid on Hong Kong store
- Staff at Yau Ma Tei store to be prosecuted after raid by officials found cat meat for sale
- Joint operation mounted by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
Staff at a Hong Kong store are to be prosecuted after a raid by government agencies discovered cat DNA in meat samples seized from the premises.
The blitz on the trade in illegal meat came after an investigation by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
“The [department] will not tolerate having dog or cat flesh for consumption and will follow up seriously,” a spokesman on Tuesday said. He added officials would boost surveillance, inspection and operations to combat similar offences.
The alleged offences came to light after officials carried out inquiries into the store, in Yau Ma Tei’s Reclamation Street, to gather evidence.
The raid last Thursday was a joint operation mounted with personnel from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department under regulations on cats and dogs.
Environmental health officials will also prosecute individuals under the Food Business Regulation for storage and possession of frozen or chilled meat for sale without permission.