In the evening of February 19, 2019, the Hong Kong government (HKG) informed the U.S. Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) Hong Kong, that it would lift its ban on the import and sale of California romaine lettuce effective immediately.
In connection with the previous food incidents concerning US romaine lettuce, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) suspended the import into Hong Kong of romaine lettuce harvested in California, US since 27.11.2018.
But in view of the submission of investigation report and the implementation of surveillance programme by the US authorities, CFS has conducted an assessment and decided to lift the import suspension imposed on romaine lettuce harvested in the above area with immediate effect.
Appropriate actions will be taken to safeguard food safety and public health. The CFS will continue to monitor closely romaine lettuce imported from the US.