East Asia / Pacific - China, Hong Kong, SAR
Destination Report: Hong Kong
By JoAnne Green
September 24, 2008

Contaminated Dairy Products

According to the U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong, the Hong Kong government has been proactive in its response to the discovery of the industrial contaminant melamine in infant formula and other dairy products sold in Hong Kong. The melamine contamination is linked to milk powder produced in mainland China. The Hong Kong Centre for Food Safety (CFS) has appealed to people not to consume milk and milk products that have been found to contain melamine and has posted a list of suspect products on their website: www.cfs.gov.hk

The website also posts answers to frequently asked questions about melamine in mainland milk products.  A CFS hotline (2381-6096) is operating from 9 am to 9 pm daily to take public inquiries about melamine contamination.

 

The Hong Kong Government Centre for Health Protection (CHP) is also operating a hotline (2125-1133) from 9 am to 5 pm daily to receive inquiries about suspected cases of renal disease related to contaminated milk products.

 

In light of reports from China of melamine in infant formula, the United States Food and Drug Administration has issued a Health Information Advisory to warn people that infant formula manufactured in China could pose a risk to infants.  The Advisory also reassured the American public that there is no known threat of contamination in infant formula manufactured by companies that have met the requirements to sell such products in the United States:

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01883.html

Travel Advisories

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs gives the following advice Australians who are traveling, working or living in Hong Kong: “Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas, organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy.”

The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office gives the following advice British people who are traveling, working or living in Hong Kong: “We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.”

The Canadian Foreign Affairs Office gives the following advice to Canadians who are traveling, working or living in Hong Kong: “Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover costs if you get sick or are injured while abroad. Out-of-country healthcare can be costly, and your health plan will cover only part of the bill at best. It is your responsibility to obtain supplementary travel insurance and understand the terms of your policy. Some credit card companies offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume that coverage is automatically included or that the card alone provides adequate coverage.”

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade gives the following advice to New Zealanders “New Zealanders travelling or resident in Hong Kong should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air.”

The U.S. Department of State gives the following advice to Americans who are traveling, working or living in Hong Kong: “We strongly urge you to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation and overseas medical services. Please keep in mind that Medicare does not cover any illness or injury that occurs outside of the United States.”

How We Can Help

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