Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

     Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force:

     The Labour Department reminds employers that as the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force, they should assess the risk of heat stroke to their employees and adopt effective preventive measures such as providing cool drinking water, setting up temporary sunshade and providing mechanical aids to reduce physical exertion of employees. Employees should drink water regularly and be mindful of their physical condition. If early heat stroke symptoms such as headache and thirst appear, they should inform their supervisors and seek medical help immediately.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     The Hong Kong Observatory has issued the Very Hot Weather Warning.

     To prevent heat stroke, avoid prolonged activities outdoors.

     If engaged in outdoor work or activities, wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes. Stay in shaded areas as much as possible.

     Drink plenty of water, and avoid beverages containing caffeine or alcohol.

     If you feel sick, consult a doctor right away.

     A 41-year-old male person in custody at Stanley Prison committed suicide by hanging on April 27. After rescue, he was sent to a public hospital for treatment and was subsequently certified dead today (May 17).

     At 9.57am on April 27, the person in custody committed suicide by hanging himself with a bed cover tied to the grille bars of the observation cell inside the institution hospital. Correctional officers provided first aid treatment to the person in custody and called for an ambulance to send him to a public hospital for treatment. Since being rescued, he has all along remained unconscious and received in-patient treatment in the public hospital. His condition suddenly deteriorated this afternoon and he was certified dead at 6.32pm.

     The case has been reported to the Police. A death inquest will be held by the Coroner's Court.

     The person in custody was sentenced to imprisonment for the offence of trafficking in a dangerous drug in July 2017.

     Hong Kong Customs today (May 17) further arrested two male staff members of a fitness centre suspected of engaging in aggressive commercial practices in the course of selling fitness service, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).

     Customs earlier received information alleging that staff members of a fitness centre in Yau Ma Tei imposed undue influence in selling fitness services to two customers who were forced to procure fitness club membership valued at $3,000 and $18,000 respectively.

     After investigation, Customs officers today further arrested two men, aged 20 and 24. 

     Customs earlier arrested two male staff members and two male directors of the fitness centre.

     Investigation is ongoing and the arrested men have been released on bail pending further investigation.

     Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to procure services at reputable shops. Before making the purchase decision, consumers should not easily provide their identity cards or credit cards to a salesperson. Consumers should firmly refuse signing any sales documents if they have no intention to purchase.

     Under the TDO, any trader commits an offence of engaging in aggressive commercial practices if harassment, coercion or undue influence is used to impair consumer's freedom of choice or conduct, causing the consumer to make a transactional decision. 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 the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (May 17) urged the public not to consume a kind of raw milk cheese imported from France and the import into and sale in Hong Kong of that kind of cheese had also been suspended with immediate effect as the product might have been contaminated with Escherichia coli (E. coli) (O26). The trade should stop using or selling the product concerned immediately if they possess it.
 
     Details of the product are as follows:
 
Product name: Fromage AOP reblochon laitier au lait cru (Reblochon raw milk cheese AOP)
Place of origin: France
Manufacturer: FROMAGERIES CHABERT
Packing: 450g per pack
Lots: Lot numbers starting with 8CR
Sanitary mark: FR 74. 096. 050 CE – with red round casein
 
     "The CFS received a notification from the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) of the European Commission that the above-mentioned product might have been contaminated with E. coli (O26) and is being recalled. For the sake of prudence, the CFS has immediately suspended the import and sale in Hong Kong of the concerned product," a spokesman for the CFS said.
 
     The spokesman said that according to information provided by the RASFF, a local importer, Silco International Limited, had imported some of the affected product into Hong Kong. The CFS immediately contacted the importer concerned for follow-up. The importer confirmed that it had imported 2.4 kilograms of the affected product and all had been distributed. It has initiated a recall according to the CFS’ advice. Enquiries about the recall can be made to the importer’s hotline at 2764 3632 during office hours.
 
     "People will contract E. coli causing gastro-intestinal disease through consumption of contaminated water or undercooked and contaminated foods. Intestinal bleeding and serious complications such as hemolytic uraemic syndrome may also develop in some people. Moreover, due to poor personal hygiene, person-to-person transmission of this pathogen is possible through the oral-faecal route. E. coli cannot survive under high temperature and can be killed by thorough cooking," the spokesman said.
 
     The spokesman urged consumers not to consume the affected product if they have bought any. The trade should also stop using or selling the product concerned immediately if they possess it.
 
     The CFS has informed the French authorities concerned of the import suspension and will alert the trade to the incident. It will continue to closely monitor the incident and take appropriate follow-up action. Investigation is underway.
 
Ends