Hong Kong Suspends Poultry Imports from France Over H5N1 Outbreak

Hong Kong announced on September 3 the immediate suspension of poultry and egg imports from France's Maine-et-Loire province following confirmation of a highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza outbreak. The Food Safety Centre under the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department issued the directive upon receiving notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health. Trade data shows Hong Kong imported approximately 540 metric tons of chilled and refrigerated poultry and 570,000 eggs from France during the first six months of this year. The Centre has contacted French authorities and pledged to continue monitoring the situation closely.

This import suspension directly affects Hong Kong's poultry supply chain, temporarily reducing options for consumers and food businesses that rely on French poultry products. The swift regulatory response demonstrates Hong Kong's commitment to preventing the introduction of dangerous animal diseases that could pose risks to public health and the local poultry industry.