Hong Kong Customs conducted a territory-wide inspection earlier and purchased samples of seven duck liver and goose liver products. The samples were sent to the Government Laboratory for testing. The test results revealed that one of the duck liver products had a weight discrepancy of 30 per cent less than the labelled weight, and three samples which claimed to be goose liver were identified as duck liver.
Customs subsequently took enforcement action in recent days and seized a total of 474 packets of related goods from four food retailers and their outlets, with an estimated market value of about $63,000.
During the operation, Customs arrested three male and three female responsible persons of the business, aged between 31 and 60. They are currently on bail pending further investigation. The case is still under investigation, and more arrests cannot be ruled out.
Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO). 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) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).
Ends/Thursday, December 14, 2023
