Hong Kong has suspended imports of poultry meat, poultry products and eggs from the Municipality of Helsingborg in southern Sweden following an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza.
The ban was announced on 16 June by Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety (CFS), which said the measure was introduced after receiving a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
According to the CFS, the import suspension took effect immediately and is intended to protect public health in Hong Kong.
A spokesman for the food safety authority noted that Hong Kong did not import any poultry meat or eggs from Sweden during the first three months of 2026, based on figures from the Census and Statistics Department.
The CFS said it has contacted Swedish authorities regarding the outbreak and will continue monitoring information from WOAH and relevant agencies.
“Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.
The H5N1 virus has led to a number of trade restrictions worldwide in recent years as authorities seek to prevent the spread of avian influenza through poultry products.
No information has been released on when the import suspension may be lifted.
