The government has temporarily suspended the contract of bottled water supplier 鑫鼎鑫商貿 for supplying water to government offices. The bottle label lists three manufacturers, all of whom have denied supplying drinking water to Hong Kong. A legislative council member believes the incident involves food safety risks and that authorities should review the qualification vetting process for any negligence.

The production base of 羊台山, one of the manufacturers listed on the bottled water label, is located in Shenzhen, where large quantities of bottled water are stored. Ms. Hu, the person in charge of 羊台山 Beverage Company Limited, denied any collaboration with the disputed supplier 鑫鼎鑫. According to mainland enterprise credit platforms, 观音山 and 羊台山 are located in Dongguan and Shenzhen respectively, and their business scope includes the manufacturing of beverages. Both companies have been linked to multiple legal litigations and risk notices.

Last year, the Guangdong Market Supervision Bureau discovered in a random inspection that the drinking water produced by 羊台山 contained Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which did not comply with national food safety regulations, indicating microbial contamination issues. 乐百氏飲用水有限公司 Guangzhou Branch, another manufacturer listed on the label, also previously responded that they had not supplied any water to Hong Kong.

Legislative council members are concerned that the government should conduct a more stringent vetting of new suppliers, especially concerning food safety. Legislative Councillor Dennis Ma-biu Teng suggested that the relevant department should conduct an on-site inspection and thorough assessment of the new supplier before approving the contract. If such issues are difficult to prevent, the entire tendering process should be thoroughly reformed.

Regional Perspective

The investigation has uncovered manufacturers' denials of supplying water to Hong Kong, as well as past pollution records. This highlights potential food safety risks and the need to improve government vetting processes in both Hong Kong and mainland China.

Immediate Implications

The government has suspended the contract of supplier 鑫鼎鑫.
An investigation into the safety of bottled water sources is underway.
Opportunities for suppliers adhering to food safety standards to offer their services.
Risks to consumers if swift action is not taken.

Analysis

Legislative Councillor Dennis Ma-biu Teng emphasizes the importance of stringent vetting for new suppliers, particularly in the food safety sector. He calls for a comprehensive reform of the government tendering process to prevent fraud or negligence. This case raises questions about the effectiveness of current audit procedures and the need to strengthen oversight to ensure consumer safety.