https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/rss/524373/feed The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), a Hong Kong-based governmental body dedicated to ensuring food safety and maintaining a clean, hygienic living environment for the populace. Established in 2000, its main areas of focus include comprehensive environmental hygiene services, food safety control via the Centre for Food Safety, management of public facilities like markets and slaughterhouses, and enforcement of public cleanliness regulations. en https://assets-v2.i-scmp.com/production/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words. Hong Kong’s ambition to become Asia’s “mega-event city” is being undermined by a glaring weakness: rampant ticket scalping. The Trevor Noah shows at MacPherson Stadium in October are the latest example. Tickets vanished quickly, only to reappear on resale platforms at many times... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/letters/article/3368761/trevor-noah-shows-underline-need-action-hong-kong-scalping?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/letters/article/3368761/trevor-noah-shows-underline-need-action-hong-kong-scalping?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 26 Sep 2026 03:30:08 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong is expected to welcome about 1.29 million mainland Chinese travellers over the National Day “golden week” break, with city authorities planning to step up crowd management and tighten supervision of tour agencies and retail outlets. Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki, Hong Kong’s No 2 official, chaired a meeting with various government departments on Wednesday to discuss preparations for the holiday on the mainland, which spans October 1 to 7. On top of the expected influx of about 1.29... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368547/hong-kong-welcome-129-million-mainland-chinese-visitors-national-day-break?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368547/hong-kong-welcome-129-million-mainland-chinese-visitors-national-day-break?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Sep 2026 14:03:40 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok Hong Kong food safety authorities have prosecuted a restaurant after an investigation into claims that a newborn rat was found wriggling inside one of its takeaway lunchboxes uncovered unsatisfactory hygiene conditions. The lunchbox came from Wa Jer Restaurant, located in the Wah Sing Industrial Building on Wah Sing Street. A customer reportedly bought a HK$44 (US$5.60) set meal that included satay beef rice noodles, a ham omelette and a drink. When opening the takeaway box, she discovered a... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366649/hong-kong-restaurant-prosecuted-over-live-newborn-rat-found-takeaway-lunchbox?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366649/hong-kong-restaurant-prosecuted-over-live-newborn-rat-found-takeaway-lunchbox?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 07 Sep 2026 14:54:23 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen The owners of an American Bully are challenging the authorities’ classification of “fighting dogs” after their pet, a breed strictly controlled in Hong Kong, died during neutering, a procedure they undertook amid a crackdown on non-compliance. Monchiu, a female, died under anaesthesia during the operation at a veterinary clinic on Friday, her owners said on social media late on Saturday. They said the dog, who suffered from vision and hearing impairment, as well as skin problems, was unfit for... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366557/victim-american-bully-dies-surgery-owners-question-fighting-dog-rules?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366557/victim-american-bully-dies-surgery-owners-question-fighting-dog-rules?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 06 Sep 2026 12:55:49 +0000 Veronica Qi Veronica Qi Heat, humidity and crowded living spaces could pose challenges for Hongkongers hoping to keep large or aggressive dogs as pets, experts have said, urging potential owners to consider the needs of such animals before deciding to house them. They issued the warning after a woman and two small canines were mauled in two separate attacks last week. The woman was found collapsed in Ping Yeung Tsuen, hours after she was attacked at a dog training centre by a canine suspected of being a mixed-breed... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3365106/want-keep-big-dog-hong-kong-experts-share-what-you-should-know?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3365106/want-keep-big-dog-hong-kong-experts-share-what-you-should-know?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:30:09 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen When a 100-member tour group from South Korea approached a Hong Kong craft beer manufacturer about a visit and tasting session, the operator declined their request. The refusal was not due to a lack of confidence in the product or a staff shortage. The brewery simply lacked a licence to serve beer on the premises. “It is not easy doing manufacturing in Hong Kong,” said Luke Yardley, founder of local craft beer brewery Yardley Brothers. “It is just a missed opportunity when in every other country... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3364958/licence-savour-hong-kong-craft-brewers-push-site-beer-permits?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3364958/licence-savour-hong-kong-craft-brewers-push-site-beer-permits?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Aug 2026 05:26:52 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok A large unleashed dog has fatally mauled two smaller pets in separate attacks within 20 minutes in Hong Kong, with authorities investigating the incident with a view to bringing a prosecution if there is sufficient evidence. Police said the first attack occurred at 3pm on Monday near the taxi rank at the Yoho Mall car park in Yuen Long, where a man, 58, was walking his brown miniature poodle. His 17‑year‑old, 5kg poodle was suddenly chased and mauled by a 60kg (132lbs) large brown dog of unknown... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3364330/unleashed-60kg-dog-runs-amok-fatally-mauls-poodle-bichon-frise-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3364330/unleashed-60kg-dog-runs-amok-fatally-mauls-poodle-bichon-frise-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Aug 2026 13:35:25 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Hong Kong’s hygiene authorities are investigating two officers caught smoking in public while in uniform, an act that is prohibited, stressing that such behaviour will result in disciplinary action. A viral clip circulating on social media platform Threads shows two men in uniform smoking cigarettes in what appears to be a back alley in the daytime. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department confirmed on Monday evening that the men seen in the video clip belonged to one of its district hawker... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3364329/2-hygiene-officers-under-investigation-smoking-public-while-uniform?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3364329/2-hygiene-officers-under-investigation-smoking-public-while-uniform?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Aug 2026 13:20:15 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Restaurateur Ken Chu Ka-chun recorded a 20 per cent boost in business at one of his outlets at Kai Tak Sports Park over the past month, thanks to pet owners dining in under a government scheme allowing dogs into nearly 1,000 Hong Kong establishments since July 9. “We saw more dog owners coming in because people frequently walk their dogs around here,” said Chu, owner of Asura group, which has two restaurants with pet-friendly licences. The restaurant has separate seating areas for diners with... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363434/how-are-hong-kong-restaurants-faring-1-month-dog-friendly-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363434/how-are-hong-kong-restaurants-faring-1-month-dog-friendly-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Aug 2026 07:44:27 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong A swimming pool at a private housing estate in Hong Kong’s Happy Valley has been ordered to close after authorities discovered a lifeguard on duty was suspected of using fraudulent credentials. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said on Thursday that the lifeguard’s credentials did not match records held by the Hong Kong China Life Saving Society. The licensed pool at the private estate at 1-5 Ventris Road was ordered to close immediately because the attendant’s qualifications... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363215/pool-hong-kongs-happy-valley-shut-over-suspected-fake-lifeguard-credentials?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363215/pool-hong-kongs-happy-valley-shut-over-suspected-fake-lifeguard-credentials?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Aug 2026 16:43:00 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung A Hong Kong civil servant has been charged with misconduct in public office for allegedly issuing bogus fixed-penalty littering notices to five people, triggering court-issued arrest warrants and the wrongful arrest of an innocent person. Law Yui, a 41-year-old foreman with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), was charged by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) on Tuesday. The charge followed an internal FEHD investigation that uncovered the alleged... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/article/3362939/hong-kong-civil-servant-charged-misconduct-over-bogus-littering-tickets-issued-5?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/article/3362939/hong-kong-civil-servant-charged-misconduct-over-bogus-littering-tickets-issued-5?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Aug 2026 09:58:40 +0000 Ray Gai Ray Gai Old, dense and diverse, Sham Shui Po exemplifies many practical challenges associated with grass-roots governance in Hong Kong: ageing buildings, narrow alleys, low-income households, elderly residents living alone and routine issues that demand constant attention. As an ancient maxim states: “Government means rectitude. If you set a righteous example, who will dare to act otherwise?” My extensive community work in Sham Shui Po has shown that political success at the grass-roots level is seldom... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3362171/what-hong-kongs-districts-can-learn-sham-shui-pos-governance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3362171/what-hong-kongs-districts-can-learn-sham-shui-pos-governance?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Aug 2026 01:30:05 +0000 Eric Jiang Eric Jiang Hong Kong’s hygiene authorities have arrested 14 people during a citywide crackdown on unlicensed hawkers and seized 600kg (1,320lbs) of food, some of which was expired. Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Chief Health Inspector Chan Sze-man, responsible for hawkers, said on Wednesday that the suspects, aged 38 to 76, were arrested in various districts between July 17 and 28. All of the suspects held Hong Kong identity cards. She emphasised that the department had long adopted a reasonable... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3362268/authorities-arrest-14-crackdown-unlicensed-hawkers-seize-600kg-food?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3362268/authorities-arrest-14-crackdown-unlicensed-hawkers-seize-600kg-food?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Jul 2026 09:46:17 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Hong Kong restaurant operators have hit out at a scheme requiring them to have permits to run dog-friendly venues, saying they had already been allowing pets in their outdoor seating areas but were now barred from doing so without the new licence. Businesses said they had been forced to turn away dog owners who were previously welcomed, even as the government promoted the scheme to make the city more pet-friendly and support the struggling food and drink industry. “The government is trying to... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3361889/restaurants-slam-dog-friendly-licence-policy-over-outdoor-dining-restrictions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3361889/restaurants-slam-dog-friendly-licence-policy-over-outdoor-dining-restrictions?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Jul 2026 10:00:12 +0000 Cannix Yau Cannix Yau More than 30 restaurants have withdrawn from Hong Kong’s new dog-friendly dining scheme, while officers have issued 70 warnings during inspections since its launch, the city’s environment chief has said. Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan said on Saturday that 31 restaurants had withdrawn from the scheme since it was introduced two weeks ago. However, he stressed that the overall compliance level was “acceptable” and he was confident the “teething” problems would be gradually... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3361826/more-30-restaurants-pull-out-dog-friendly-scheme-70-warnings-issued?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3361826/more-30-restaurants-pull-out-dog-friendly-scheme-70-warnings-issued?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Jul 2026 04:47:41 +0000 Theodora Yu,Ambrose Li Theodora Yu,Ambrose Li Hong Kong resident Yau Suk-ming was startled in her kitchen when her daughter turned on a countertop blender and a rat leapt out into the open. The rodent scurried away before the 74-year-old retiree could catch it, but she was not surprised as she had earlier noticed rat droppings in her flat on Kowloon City’s Bulkeley Street. “Turns out rats are afraid of ‘earthquakes’ – but I was not afraid, I am very proud of that,” she joked, saying she could not do much but put up with them. Yau may be... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3361630/rats-everywhere-numbers-caught-are-323-so-why-are-authorities-not-worried?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3361630/rats-everywhere-numbers-caught-are-323-so-why-are-authorities-not-worried?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Jul 2026 00:30:09 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Hong Kong will press ahead with its new dog-friendly dining scheme despite a public backlash and the withdrawal of 11 participating restaurants, the environment minister has said, describing the situation as part of an initial adjustment period. Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan said on Sunday that authorities would step up inspections and public education to reduce rule violations. The scheme took effect on July 9. “Photos posted by internet users are not fake. These things... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3361091/hong-kong-wont-paws-dog-friendly-dining-despite-backlash-pullouts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3361091/hong-kong-wont-paws-dog-friendly-dining-despite-backlash-pullouts?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Jul 2026 07:46:44 +0000 Eric Jiang Eric Jiang Dog owners have welcomed Hong Kong’s first wave of pet-friendly restaurants, but some have been disappointed by restrictive rules, confused staff and limited space, with one saying only half of her pet stroller could fit within the designated seating area. After months of anticipation, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department granted an initial 1,000 permits by lottery in June, and 940 restaurants opened their doors to dogs on July 9. Several businesses pulled out of the scheme days later,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3361015/brunch-your-bichon-frise-some-dog-owners-say-pet-dining-ruff-start?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3361015/brunch-your-bichon-frise-some-dog-owners-say-pet-dining-ruff-start?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Jul 2026 01:00:15 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung Hong Kong’s introduction of pet-friendly dining at designated restaurants has drawn significant public criticism, prompting some lawmakers to call for tighter vetting of licences. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department had received about 20 complaints as of Monday following the launch of the scheme on July 9. The department earlier said most complaints involved minor issues such as leash lengths and seating arrangements. However, viral videos showing dogs licking plates and sitting on... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3360712/hongkongers-new-pet-peeve-over-dogs-diners-sparks-calls-tougher-vetting?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3360712/hongkongers-new-pet-peeve-over-dogs-diners-sparks-calls-tougher-vetting?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Jul 2026 02:30:07 +0000 Kristen Cheung,Leopold Chen,Kate Chan Kristen Cheung,Leopold Chen,Kate Chan Limited manpower, space constraints and cautious diners have led some restaurants to make the “responsible move” of withdrawing from Hong Kong’s new dog-friendly dining scheme, which has drawn about 20 complaints since its launch, the city’s hygiene chief has said. Albert Yuen Yuk-kin, director of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, said on Monday that most complaints involved minor issues such as leash length and seating arrangements. A total of 940 restaurants and eateries began... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3360327/restaurant-pullouts-dog-friendly-scheme-responsible-20-complaints-recorded?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3360327/restaurant-pullouts-dog-friendly-scheme-responsible-20-complaints-recorded?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Jul 2026 04:52:42 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung Hong Kong’s dog-friendly restaurant scheme has sparked a fierce online debate over public hygiene and pet behaviour, while a cafe chain branch opted out of the initiative just one day after it began. While more than 940 restaurants opened their doors to owners and their dogs on Thursday, clips showing pets licking plates and sitting on dining tables and chairs have gone viral online. But other internet users also made the case that many canine diners had been well-behaved. The debate raged as a... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3360288/hong-kongs-dog-friendly-licence-scheme-triggers-fierce-online-debate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3360288/hong-kongs-dog-friendly-licence-scheme-triggers-fierce-online-debate?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Jul 2026 12:49:52 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying,Benjamin Fuller,Kate Chan Lo Hoi-ying,Benjamin Fuller,Kate Chan More than 900 restaurants and eateries in Hong Kong opened their doors to customers with dogs on the first day of a scheme allowing canines into restaurants, marking the end of a 30-year ban enacted to protect against rabies. Chinese restaurants, fast food chains and coffee shops on Thursday welcomed their first groups of customers with dogs, although some owners were left disappointed after being turned away by some licensed premises that said they needed more time to prepare. The Food and... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3359960/more-900-hong-kong-restaurants-welcome-dogs-day-1-pet-licensing-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3359960/more-900-hong-kong-restaurants-welcome-dogs-day-1-pet-licensing-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Jul 2026 07:28:16 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Pet strollers, partitions and pre-dining briefings for customers are among the measures Hong Kong restaurants are taking ahead of the launch of a scheme allowing dogs into eateries this week. Dim sum restaurant Old Fung Tea House, with six outlets across the city, is among 833 eateries that will allow dogs to enter starting on Thursday under a policy by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department aimed at developing the pet economy. Owner Fung Man-kit said he invested about HK$10,000... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3359438/hong-kong-restaurants-spend-welcome-furry-diners-under-pet-friendly-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3359438/hong-kong-restaurants-spend-welcome-furry-diners-under-pet-friendly-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Jul 2026 04:00:30 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Inadequate monitoring, lengthy repairs and poor information for hikers are among the “deficiencies” that have undermined public safety and visitors’ experience at Hong Kong’s country parks, according to the city’s ombudsman, which urged relevant authorities to overhaul how they manage and maintain facilities. In a report released on Monday, the Office of the Ombudsman said it made 42 recommendations to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), all of which had been accepted... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3358778/deficiencies-maintenance-repairs-hong-kong-parks-mar-visitor-experience?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3358778/deficiencies-maintenance-repairs-hong-kong-parks-mar-visitor-experience?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Jun 2026 11:13:08 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Restaurants that managed to fetch a slot in Hong Kong’s new dog-friendly scheme must be feeling lucky indeed. Some of the 1,000 eateries selected from more than twice as many applicants for the programme anticipate a business boost of up to 20 per cent. If all goes well, with diners, pets and restaurants on their best behaviour, a swift expansion of the scheme would be welcome. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department unveiled the list of restaurants on June 12 after a ballot was used to... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3357662/bigger-pie-pet-friendly-restaurants-would-be-nice?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3357662/bigger-pie-pet-friendly-restaurants-would-be-nice?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Jun 2026 22:45:05 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Homeowners in a Hong Kong subsidised housing estate will need to amend a legal land-use document to allow a cafe there to admit dogs, after the venue was disqualified from a pet-friendly licence scheme despite winning an application ballot. The Housing Department said on Thursday that the owners of Kai Yan Court in Kai Tak must agree to amend the deed of mutual covenant (DMC) under the Land Registry, which currently bans dogs on the premises, for cafe Marz Menu to become a dog-friendly... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3357534/cafe-caught-red-tape-despite-winning-ballot-dog-friendly-venue-licence?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3357534/cafe-caught-red-tape-despite-winning-ballot-dog-friendly-venue-licence?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Jun 2026 07:29:54 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu The Hong Kong government has appointed a former deputy police commissioner to lead the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. Albert Yuen Yuk-kin would lead the department following his retirement from the force, where over 37 years he rose to the rank of deputy commissioner of operations, the government said on Monday. The department post is one of two high-level official positions filled through an open recruitment announced in February. Along with the director of information services... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3357175/ex-hong-kong-police-deputy-commissioner-albert-yuen-set-hygiene-chief-role?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3357175/ex-hong-kong-police-deputy-commissioner-albert-yuen-set-hygiene-chief-role?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Jun 2026 09:54:49 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong will allow dogs into 1,000 restaurants starting on July 9, under a scheme that caterers say could lift business by up to 20 per cent. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department on Friday announced the scheme’s roll-out date after holding a ballot to select 1,000 restaurants from the 1,615 eligible applications. The licensed restaurants are evenly distributed across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. Wan Chai had the highest number of successful applicants, with... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3356877/hong-kong-restaurants-eye-20-business-boost-1000-win-dog-friendly-licence-ballot?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3356877/hong-kong-restaurants-eye-20-business-boost-1000-win-dog-friendly-licence-ballot?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Jun 2026 07:15:16 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying A licensing scheme allowing dogs in Hong Kong restaurants has attracted an “overwhelming” 2,100 applications, more than double the 1,000-place quota allocated, according to food hygiene authorities. In response to inquiries from the South China Morning Post, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said on Monday that it had received more than 2,100 applications by 12pm, the last day of submissions. The application window opened on May 18 and drew 700 applications, or 70 per cent of the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3356405/overwhelming-hong-kongs-dog-friendly-restaurant-scheme-twice-oversubscribed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3356405/overwhelming-hong-kongs-dog-friendly-restaurant-scheme-twice-oversubscribed?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Jun 2026 12:49:01 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Hong Kong authorities have ordered a licensed mobile ice cream vendor in Central to stop selling soft ice cream after a sample was found to contain coliform bacteria levels exceeding the legal limit. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department’s Centre for Food Safety said on Thursday that the sample contained 310 coliform bacteria per gram, more than three times the limit of 100 per gram under the Frozen Confections Regulation. The watchdog said it had informed the licence holder of the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3354424/mobile-ice-cream-vendor-central-told-stop-selling-product-due-bacteria?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3354424/mobile-ice-cream-vendor-central-told-stop-selling-product-due-bacteria?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 May 2026 15:54:52 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The local dining scene is bound for change after applications opened this week for restaurants to welcome dog owners with their pets from July. The pet-friendly scheme, foreshadowed in the chief executive’s policy address last year, is limited to 1,000 or 5 per cent of the city’s restaurants – but the quota was largely filled by about 700 applications on the first day. How it turns out, especially during busy times like weekends, will have a big impact on how widely the change will be ultimately... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3354221/compliance-matters-social-acceptance-pet-friendly-restaurants?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3354221/compliance-matters-social-acceptance-pet-friendly-restaurants?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 20 May 2026 22:45:05 +0000 Wanxin Li,Lam Chiu Ying Wanxin Li,Lam Chiu Ying In February, a landmark study in the journal Science delivered rare good news for conservation: a five-year fishing ban in the Yangtze River had halted seven decades of biodiversity near-collapse. Fish biomass has surged, and the critically endangered finless porpoise has begun to rebound. Researchers showed that sustained, collective action can revive an ecosystem. The lesson for Hong Kong is both inspiring and urgent. Hong Kong is at a critical juncture in its environmental history. Last... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3353307/what-hong-kong-can-learn-yangtzes-conservation-success?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3353307/what-hong-kong-can-learn-yangtzes-conservation-success?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 19 May 2026 01:30:04 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying A licensing scheme allowing dogs into Hong Kong restaurants has attracted strong initial interest, with 70 per cent of the 1,000-place quota filled on the first day, according to food hygiene authorities. In response to inquiries from the South China Morning Post, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said on Monday it had received about 700 applications by 6pm. The application window closes on June 8. The department expects the scheme to launch in July, with up to 1,000 restaurants... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3354012/hong-kongs-dog-friendly-restaurant-scheme-fills-70-quota-first-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3354012/hong-kongs-dog-friendly-restaurant-scheme-fills-70-quota-first-day?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 18 May 2026 14:32:50 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong’s food hygiene authorities are training 90 officers to assist and inspect restaurants applying for a new dog licence, while a cafe owner expects the framework to reduce legal grey areas when it goes into effect. Applications for the licence will open on Monday, with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department expecting the scheme to launch in July with a maximum quota of 1,000 restaurants in the first phase. Benny Yip Kwok-cheung, senior superintendent of legislative review, said the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3353835/90-officers-trained-inspect-eateries-under-hong-kongs-new-pet-friendly-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3353835/90-officers-trained-inspect-eateries-under-hong-kongs-new-pet-friendly-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 17 May 2026 04:00:19 +0000 Oscar Liu Oscar Liu A Hong Kong sushi restaurant has apologised after a customer spotted a threadlike parasite crawling out of a piece of sashimi, triggering widespread food safety concerns across social media. Popular Japanese chain Gatten Sushi, which debuted in the city in September 2024, issued an apology on social media on Tuesday after footage of the incident at its Causeway Bay branch went viral. The video, shared by a diner on Threads, shows a thin, white parasite emerging from a piece of golden eye snapper... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3353260/viral-clip-parasite-sashimi-hong-kong-sushi-branch-triggers-raw-emotions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3353260/viral-clip-parasite-sashimi-hong-kong-sushi-branch-triggers-raw-emotions?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 May 2026 08:24:03 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong restaurants applying for a licence that allows dogs will have to remove any hotpot from their menus and change their layout to comply with new regulations aimed at ensuring food and pet safety. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) also said on Monday that officers would patrol the premises every day in the first month to inspect and understand their operations, provide advice and ensure compliance with permit conditions. The department held the first in a series of... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3353178/no-hotpot-hong-kong-dog-friendly-restaurants-face-menu-and-layout-limits?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3353178/no-hotpot-hong-kong-dog-friendly-restaurants-face-menu-and-layout-limits?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 May 2026 12:54:06 +0000 Eric Jiang Eric Jiang About a dozen visitors were seen removing small crabs and shells from a tombolo on Hong Kong’s Sharp Island on Friday, the first day of mainland China’s five-day Labour Day “golden week” break, prompting conservation officers and volunteers to confront them and issue warnings. At around 3.30pm on Friday, a South China Morning Post reporter observed the visitors, many accompanied by their families, collecting crabs and shells along the narrow sandbar connecting the island’s two landmasses. “We... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3352121/labour-day-tourists-gain-deeper-awareness-corals-amid-government-promotion-push?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3352121/labour-day-tourists-gain-deeper-awareness-corals-amid-government-promotion-push?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 May 2026 05:52:34 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Hong Kong’s limited urban space and large population have steadily pushed the city’s buildings ever higher, but maintenance of far too many structures has not kept pace with decades of wear and tear. Meanwhile, the authorities are often overwhelmed trying to enforce laws that should keep building owners and managers focused on upkeep. So it was encouraging to see officials trying a new tactic to respond to one major issue – water seepage. A pilot scheme to fast track such cases and shift... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3351298/new-tactic-water-seepage-can-help-keep-hong-kong-buildings-safe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3351298/new-tactic-water-seepage-can-help-keep-hong-kong-buildings-safe?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Apr 2026 22:45:08 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong will try out a “mosquito-to-control-mosquito” strategy next year, under which the insect males are infected with bacteria to prevent their offspring from reaching maturity, following the city’s first local dengue fever case in over a year. Announcing the strategy on Sunday, Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene Donald Ng Man-kit said the government would consider stepping up mosquito control measures with a lower threshold, as the population of the insects had risen more rapidly... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3351465/hong-kong-plans-new-mosquito-control-trial-after-first-dengue-case-2024?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3351465/hong-kong-plans-new-mosquito-control-trial-after-first-dengue-case-2024?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Apr 2026 07:25:48 +0000 Ng Kang-chung Ng Kang-chung Hong Kong’s food hygiene authorities have deployed drones to help dismantle an illegal slaughterhouse in Yuen Long, arresting its 67-year-old operator and seizing 7.4kg of goat meat and offal with an estimated market value of HK$3,000 (US$380). Acting on a tip-off earlier this week, officers from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department identified a suspicious farm in Kam Tin, Yuen Long. The unlicensed premises were allegedly used to keep and slaughter goats, with the meat to be sold in Kam... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3350471/hong-kong-authorities-use-drones-help-raid-illegal-slaughterhouse-yuen-long?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3350471/hong-kong-authorities-use-drones-help-raid-illegal-slaughterhouse-yuen-long?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:10:53 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Hong Kong landlords who fail to fix water seepage affecting flats below face a minimum inspection bill of HK$17,000 (US$2,170) if they take no action within 28 days of notification under a pilot scheme designed to fast-track such cases. The plan, launched by a joint office under the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and Buildings Department, shifts the responsibility of shouldering inspection costs from the government to flat owners who fail to address water seepage... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3350088/hong-kong-landlords-face-hk17000-inspection-bill-over-ignored-water-seepage?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3350088/hong-kong-landlords-face-hk17000-inspection-bill-over-ignored-water-seepage?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:40:38 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong pet owners have called for environmental authorities to place rat poison in boxes instead of hanging them in transparent bags, with one owner saying his dog had to visit the veterinarian three times in recent months after accidentally consuming pellets that spilled from broken bags onto the pavement. In response to queries by the South China Morning Post, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said rodenticides were used “only when warranted”, and had adjusted the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3348934/rats-versus-pets-hong-kong-dog-owners-want-rodent-poison-boxes-not-bags?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3348934/rats-versus-pets-hong-kong-dog-owners-want-rodent-poison-boxes-not-bags?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Apr 2026 10:00:13 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Authorities have launched an investigation into a potential food poisoning cluster that has affected 53 trainees understood to be from the Hong Kong Police College. The Department of Health said on Saturday that 48 male and five female trainees, aged 20 to 40, had developed symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting and fever since Thursday evening. It did not name the police college in its statement, only referring to the location as a training institute. A source confirmed to the South... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3345824/health-authorities-probe-possible-food-poisoning-cluster-police-college?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3345824/health-authorities-probe-possible-food-poisoning-cluster-police-college?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Mar 2026 12:12:01 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu A wild boar bit a hiker in Hong Kong before it fell down a flight of stairs and died, according to police. A police spokesman said the victim, 57, had arrived at a public toilet at Boon Kin Village in Tseung Kwan O on Friday morning while hiking with her husband, also 57, and a friend, when the boar suddenly emerged and chased her. Shocked, the woman fell, hitting her head – resulting in swelling on her forehead – and scratching her limbs, police said. Some witnesses reportedly said nearby... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3345776/wild-boar-bites-hiker-tumbles-its-death-down-flight-stairs-village?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3345776/wild-boar-bites-hiker-tumbles-its-death-down-flight-stairs-village?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 14:55:57 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung Hong Kong has launched its first action plan on weight management, aiming to reduce the proportion of people who are overweight or obese to less than half the population in three years from the current 51.3 per cent of adults. On Wednesday, World Obesity Day, the Department of Health announced more than 40 measures, ranging from installing more weighing scales in government venues to exploring the inclusion of novel weight-loss injections in the drug formulary, in a bid to reverse the rising... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3345436/hong-kong-launches-3-year-action-plan-help-residents-fight-flab?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3345436/hong-kong-launches-3-year-action-plan-help-residents-fight-flab?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:48:43 +0000 Natalie Wong Natalie Wong Hong Kong’s civil service chief has defended a decision to open up recruitment externally for the role of food and environmental hygiene director, saying the move aims to attract experts who can take the lead in using technology to enforce laws. Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan also stressed on Monday that anyone hired externally would have no chance to climb the ranks as the next role would be permanent secretary, a position which, under regulations, must be held by... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3344315/open-recruitment-hygiene-chief-can-attract-innovator-tech-push?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3344315/open-recruitment-hygiene-chief-can-attract-innovator-tech-push?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Feb 2026 07:07:06 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok Hong Kong authorities are looking at implementing a booking system and charging fees for camping hotspots as part of a review of management strategies in response to public concerns about overcrowded beaches and litter during the Lunar New Year holiday. The Agricultural, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) posted its plan on its Facebook page on Sunday after campers and hikers called for stronger public education, law enforcement and limits on visitor numbers at popular sites. At Ham... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3344274/hong-kong-eyes-booking-system-fees-after-campers-overrun-hotspots?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3344274/hong-kong-eyes-booking-system-fees-after-campers-overrun-hotspots?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Feb 2026 15:07:44 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen A green group has called for long-term measures to tackle overtourism in Hong Kong’s scenic Sai Kung district after the number of tents at a campsite reached more than nine times its capacity on the second day of Lunar New Year, although authorities described the situation as “under control”. Greenpeace said on Thursday that it had counted 585 tents at the Ham Tin Wan and Sai Wan campsites the previous day, far exceeding the designated capacity of 50 at each location. Ham Tin Wan had 450 tents... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3344030/green-group-calls-action-after-hong-kong-campsites-packed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3344030/green-group-calls-action-after-hong-kong-campsites-packed?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:25:52 +0000 Oscar Liu,Harvey Kong Oscar Liu,Harvey Kong Authorities are prosecuting the licensee of a Hong Kong branch of Japanese supermarket chain Don Don Donki after a video of a live rodent moving in the store’s sushi display chiller went viral. The footage, posted on social media on Thursday, captured a rat scurrying across pre-packed boxes of sushi in a chiller at the Don Don Donki outlet in the Tuen Mun Town Plaza shopping centre. In the 20-second clip, a man carrying a tote bag is seen flinching and backing away from the counter in shock... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3343259/outcry-over-hong-kong-hygiene-standards-rat-seen-don-don-donki-sushi-chiller?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3343259/outcry-over-hong-kong-hygiene-standards-rat-seen-don-don-donki-sushi-chiller?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Feb 2026 04:16:23 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong authorities have launched an unprecedented open recruitment exercise for director positions overseeing information services and environmental hygiene, with “strong political acumen” listed as a common requirement. The government posted the two job advertisements on its website on Wednesday, seeking directors for the Information Services Department and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. The posts will report to the permanent secretaries for home and youth affairs, and... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3343219/hong-kong-recruit-2-civil-service-directors-political-acumen?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3343219/hong-kong-recruit-2-civil-service-directors-political-acumen?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Feb 2026 12:43:17 +0000