Hong Kong halts poultry imports from France amidst avian influenza outbreak

In H1 2024, Hong Kong imported 830 tonnes of poultry meat and 110,000 eggs from France.

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) has ordered the suspension of the import of poultry meat and products, including poultry eggs, from France with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong following an outbreak of a highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza in the area.

This initiative is in response to the notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about the said outbreak.

According to the Census and Statistics Department (Censtatd), Hong Kong imported about 830 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat and about 110,000 poultry eggs from France in H1 2024.

"The CFS has contacted the French authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreak. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation," CFS said.