Regarding an online post claiming that the senior management of the Information Services Department (ISD) had forced colleagues to sign a letter to support the police, a spokesperson for the department stated today (July 29) that the allegation was absolutely not true and it was entirely a fabrication.

     The spokesperson said it was regrettable and deplorable that some people were deliberately spreading false information to mislead the public.

     A boy who went missing in Lantau North has been located.

     Earl Seamus Barry Siam, aged 15, went missing after he left his residence on Kin Tung Road on June 29 night. His family made a report to Police on the same day.

     The boy was located in Yat Tung Estate this afternoon (July 29). He sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (July 29) that a sample of loose-packed Shanghai noodles was found to contain a preservative, benzoic acid, at a level exceeding the legal limit. The CFS is following up on the case.

     A spokesman for the CFS said, "Subsequent to announcing earlier that a sample of Shanghai noodles taken from a shop in Tin Shui Wai was found to contain excessive benzoic acid, the CFS took a sample of Shanghai noodles from another shop in Kwai Chung for testing and the test result showed that the sample contained benzoic acid at a level of 1 800 parts per million (ppm), exceeding the legal limit of 1 000 ppm. A follow-up investigation found that the two batches of Shanghai noodles were from the same local manufacturer."

     The CFS has informed the vendor concerned of the irregularity and instructed the vendor to stop the sale of the affected product. Prosecution will be instituted should there be sufficient evidence.

     Benzoic acid is a preservative of low toxicity. Based on the level detected in the sample, adverse health effects will not be caused under usual consumption.

     The spokesman reminded the food trade that the use of preservatives in food must comply with the Preservatives in Food Regulation (Cap 132BD). Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction.

     The CFS will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action.

     Hong Kong Customs conducted an operation against the sale of counterfeit items at a mobile hawker stall on July 27. About 6 900 items of suspected counterfeit goods, including clothing, caps and shoes, with an estimated market value of about $420,000 were seized.

     Customs earlier received information alleging the sale of suspected counterfeit items at a mobile hawker stall in Stanley. After an in-depth investigation with the assistance of trademark owners, Customs officers raided the hawker stall and 13 mobile storage facilities in nearby alleys and seized the batch of suspected counterfeit items. This is the first-ever case detected of a single mobile hawker selling counterfeit items using multiple mobile storage facilities.

     During the operation, a 44-year-old female stall owner was arrested. 

     An investigation is ongoing.

     During the summer holiday, Customs will continue to step up inspections and enforcements to combat the sale of counterfeit goods.

     Customs reminds consumers to procure goods at reputable shops and to check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt.

     Customs also reminds traders to be cautious and prudent in merchandising since the sale of counterfeit goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal sanctions.

     Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells, or possesses for sale, any goods with a forged trademark 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 infringing activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

      

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 29) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Stanley Main Beach and Shek O Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at these beaches.