Anti-drug measures praised by narcotics group

The Action Committee Against Narcotics has welcomed recommendations in the Task Force on Youth Drug Abuse report, saying they provide the right direction and strategy in tackling the drug problem.

Speaking after a special meeting to discuss the report, committee Chairman Choi Yuen-wan said yesterday that he is eager to implement the measures to tackle the problem effectively and forcefully.

He said committee members endorse the idea of drug tests, a well-recognized strategy for treatment and rehabilitation, as a means to identify abusers so early assistance can be provided to them.

Other Kone elevators certified as safe

All 517 Kone elevators similar to the one involved in the Tai Po Fu Shin Estate crash on Oct 25 have been found to be safe.

The Electrical & Mechanical Services Department checked 329 of them in private buildings and 44 in government premises, while the remaining 144 in public housing estates were checked by the Housing Department.

The investigation into the cause of the lift accident in Shin Nga House is ongoing, and a report will be issued next month. Random inspections and spot-checks of lifts in private buildings have been enhanced across Hong Kong.

Funeral parlor contract does not create monopoly

The Competition Policy Advisory Group has ruled that the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department's award of a contract to the Universal Funeral Parlour won't lead to a market monopoly.

In its 2007-08 annual report published yesterday, the group said the department awarded a contract to Universal in November 2006 to manage the Hung Hom Public Funeral Parlour. In view of comments alleging that this would lead to higher rents for funeral service halls, the Food & Health Bureau said Universal does not have a monopoly, as there are five funeral halls in Hong Kong operated by other service providers.

Tokyo water recall doesn't uncover any problems

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) said yesterday that it is seeking more information from the local importer of a particular brand of bottled mineral water from the US after a Tokyo-based beverage retailer issued an urgent recall of the product after some customers complained it smelled funny.

The California-produced Crystal Geyser mineral water comes in 500 ml plastic bottles and is also available in Hong Kong, but there hadn't been any consumer complaints about its quality there.

The CFS said it has also contacted its US counterpart about the recall in Japan.

Good hygiene urged amid hand-foot-mouth outbreak

People are reminded to maintain their personal and environmental hygiene to prevent hand-foot-mouth disease following an outbreak in a Kwun Tong primary school involving 23 students.

The children, aged 6 to 9, developed fevers, mouth ulcers, and vesicular rash over their hands and feet starting on Oct 28.

They consulted private doctors or sought treatment at general out-patient clinics. They have recovered or are in stable condition. None required hospitalization.

China Daily

(HK Edition 11/18/2008 page1)