Hong Kong has officially lifted its ban on California romaine imports, which has been in place since November 2018.

After the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the outbreaks of E. coli were linked to California harvested romaine lettuce, Hong Kong’s Center for Food Safety immediately suspended the import and sale of romaine from California. A centre spokesman stated “According to the latest information provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration upon investigation, the outbreaks of E. coli infection were likely linked to romaine lettuce harvested in California. The [centre] has decided to immediately suspend the import into and sale within Hong Kong of romaine lettuce harvested in the area concerned.”

After thorough investigation, the Centre for Food Safety has decided to lift the import suspension effective immediately, but will continue to monitor romaine lettuce import from the United States.

For more information regarding the suspension of this ban, please contact Tracey Chow at (202) 296-0191.