Gov’t to ban poultry killing in markets from April 1

“Despite protests by poultry vendors who fear that the ban will affect their livelihood, the policy will go into effect April 1, and all chicken, geese and ducks should then be slaughtered at licensed abattoirs,” Chen said.

But as some complementary measures have yet to be completed, the government will postpone enforcement, originally scheduled for Oct. 1, to between three months to six months later, “ he said.

Chen who concurrently serves as convener of a Cabinet bird flu epidemic prevention task force, called a meeting Wednesday to discuss related issues.

Chen explained that preparatory work, such as setting up electric slaughter houses, disinfecting facilities at the abattoirs, and launching a food safety publicity drive, is yet to be completed, and the related government agencies have said that more time is needed before the government begins to impose penalties.

Chen stressed that the threat of bird flu outbreak and human transmission still remains, and the ban on poultry slaughter in public markets will aid disease prevention and enhance food safety.

Subscribe to The China Post and save 25%. Click here

SharePrintEmail

Write a Comment

Enter your comments - 3000 characters max

Type in image code

Submit

 Receive China Post promos Respond to this email