HONG KONG: Guangdong and Hong Kong will cooperate to curtail the smuggling of up to 25 to 30 tons of fresh shrimp from the mainland that make their way into the city every day.

The principal concern is the safety of the imported seafood. There is no control, nothing to safeguard the public.

"The seafood does not pass any quality tests or quarantine so we cannot ensure its safety," said Li Zhujiang, head of Oceanic and Fisheries Administration of Guangdong Province yesterday.

He said smugglers load the products in Zhuhai to be carried to buyers in Hong Kong. When authorities check on them, they make false reports that the shrimp were caught at sea.

Li revealed the administration will work together with local authorities including the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and the marine police to inspect and try to curb the illegal activity.

"The public is unable to distinguish shrimp without quarantine, so I appeal to seafood merchants not to privately procure the smuggled products," he added.

In turn, Hong Kong will be able to enjoy fresh shrimp imported from a mainland aquatic center after the Central Government and the FEHD issued a permit last month.

Lee Choi-wah, chairman of Hong Kong Chamber of Seafood Merchants, expects the supply of the inspected shrimp will make up for the loss of illegal shrimp supplies, so retail prices should remain unchanged.

(HK Edition 08/27/2009 page1)