A food company was fined $50,000 today (August 27) at Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts after being convicted for importing, possessing and supplying brown crabs with a false trade description, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO). The seized brown crabs worth about $2,600 were also confiscated.
Acting on information, the Customs and Excise Department commenced investigation in January, and purchased and seized a total of 30 brown crabs from the company. On the packing, there was a trade description indicating that the weight of each crab was over 800 grams. Upon examination by the Government Laboratory, it was confirmed that the actual weights of the crabs ranged from 499g to 733g, deviating from the trade description.
Under the TDO, any person who imports or supplies goods with a false trade description in the course of trade or business, or who has in his possession for sale any goods with a false trade description, commits a criminal 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 violations of the TDO to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Thursday, August 27, 2015