There
have been local food poisoning outbreaks due to the
consumption of clenbuterol tainted pig offal. Clenbuterol
is a pharmaceutical product that has been used in
overseas countries for the treatment of respiratory
disease in certain animal species. This pharmaceutical
product is not registered in Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region.
The
drug clenbuterol is not used in the treatment of
pigs. However, it has the side effect of increasing
lean meat production, which has led to its illicit
use in pig farming. Clenbuterol accumulates in body
of pigs especially internal organs such as lungs,
livers and kidneys. Consumption of clenbuterol tainted
offal and meat may cause symptoms like dizziness,
headache, hand tremor, palpitation and agitation.
People with heart diseases are prone to more severe
effects.
In Hong Kong, there is an established system for
screening of clenbuterol use in pigs and source
tracing of problematic ones. Sale of clenbuterol
tainted meat or offal is in breach of the Public
Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, Cap.132.
The maximum penalty is $50,000 and imprisonment
for 6 months. . We have also in place a comprehensive
food surveillance programme for clenbuterol in pork
and pig offal. Samples of pork and pig offal are
taken regularly from fresh provision shops and market
stalls for testing of clenbuterol residue. Between
1.1.1999 and 30.6.2000, 5547 such samples were tested
and 22 prosecutions were taken.
The
public should patronize licensed and reputable meat
shops for purchasing of pork or pig offal. There
is no cause for undue alarm in the consumption of
pork and pig offal. However, a balanced diet is
always important. The trade should obtain the supply
of pigs, pork and pig offal from approved and reliable
sources and should not use clenbuterol in animal
feed.