Two fruit retailers were fined $3,600 and $6,000 today (November 6) at Shatin Magistrates' Courts and West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts respectively for supplying and possessing for sale golden peaches with a false trade description, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).
Hong Kong Customs earlier received information alleging that golden peaches with a suspected false claim of origin were being sold at some fruit retailers.
Customs officers conducted a test-buy operation and seized a total of 72 golden peaches with a suspected false claim of origin from Japan from two fruit retailers in Ma On Shan and Mong Kok.
After investigation, it was revealed that the golden peaches originated from the Mainland, different from what had been declared.
Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to procure goods from reputable shops.
Under the TDO, any person who supplies goods with a false trade description in the course of trade or business, or is in possession of any goods for sale with a false trade description, commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Members of the public may report any suspected violation of the TDO to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Tuesday, November 6, 2018