By LIANG TAO, CRI Correspondent

Mainland authorities have confirmed that fish farms alleged to have exported eels containing a pesticide to Japan have not sent them to Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Food & Environmental Hygiene Department Acting Assistant Director Tina Mok said she is concerned about the contamination reports and the department has contacted Mainland authorities.

Mok said all eels and eel products imported to Hong Kong from the Mainland must come from registered farms and be accompanied by health certificates confirming they are fit for consumption and free of toxic substances.

She said endosulfan is a registered pesticide in Hong Kong and is usually used for vegetables and fruit. It is not used for fish because it is toxic.

The department has collected some 140 samples of vegetables and fruit for endosulfan tests since 2004 and all the results are satisfactory.

In view of the public concern, the department will step up its surveillance and monitoring and will collect samples of eels for endosulfan tests.