The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (June 21) that the CFS conducted a blitz operation against irregularities in the labelling of prepackaged food products on June 19. During the operation, CFS officers found that prepackaged food products not in compliance with food labelling laws in Hong Kong were sold at a collection point of an online platform, which was suspected of contravening the requirements under the Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations (Cap. 132W) (the Regulations). Should there be sufficient evidence, prosecution will be instituted against the vendor concerned. The investigation is ongoing.
A spokesman for the CFS said that it will continue to monitor and ensure compliance of relevant food safety and labelling laws of prepackaged food products for sale in Hong Kong, including food products sold by online platforms.
According to the Regulations, unless exempted in Schedule four and six of the Regulations or otherwise stated, prepackaged food shall be marked and labelled in the manner prescribed in the Regulations. Any person who advertises for sale, sells or manufactures for sale any prepackaged food which is not marked or labelled in compliance with the Regulations commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction.
The spokesman reminded members of the public to patronise licensed food premises and online shops with appropriate permits when purchasing restricted food, and pay attention to the potential food safety risks when purchasing food online. The CFS has also published advice for food businesses and consumers on online grocery shopping and delivery, which is accessible at the CFS website (www.cfs.gov.hk/english/food_leg/guidelines/Online_Grocery_Trade_e.pdf).
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