Fresh food supply from Mainland sufficient and stable: govt

A Hong Kong government spokesman announced today (May 17) that the supply of fresh food from the Mainland in the past day was sufficient and stable.

According to the latest information, the quantity of vegetables supplied from the Mainland to Hong Kong yesterday (as of midnight) by land and water transportation was over 2 600 tonnes, comparable to the average daily supply from the Mainland on a normal day. The volume of vegetables sold through the wholesale markets of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and the Vegetable Marketing Organization was about 821 tonnes.

The average wholesale prices of choi sum and pak choi stood at $5.90 and $6.50 per catty respectively yesterday, largely comparable to the levels of a normal day. The supply of eggs to the wholesale market was normal, with the average daily supply standing at over 2.7 million for the past week.

The total supply of chilled meat from the Mainland yesterday was about 41 tonnes. The supply of live pigs was plentiful.

The supply of chilled poultry from the Mainland was about 140 000 head yesterday, and over 7 000 live chickens were slaughtered locally. The supply was abundant.

Regarding the rice supply, in compliance with the requirement by the Government, stockholders of rice have to maintain the reserve stock of rice at a level sufficient for consumption by the local population for 15 days. The trade generally stocks double the required amount, which is sufficient for one month's consumption by Hong Kong citizens.

The government will continue to maintain close liaison with the Mainland authorities and major food suppliers to ensure a stable food supply.