FEHD joins inter-departmental joint operations to raid unlicensed cold stores in Yuen Long (with photo)

     In a joint operation with the Police, the Fire Services Department (FSD) and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (November 10), the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) raided two unlicensed cold stores at Ka Lung Road, Yuen Long.

     During the operation, the FEHD arrested a 56-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman and initiated procedures on prosecution for suspected operation of an unlicensed cold store. FEHD officers found on the two premises a total of about 35,400 kilograms of chilled meat/poultry and 37,600kg of frozen meat/poultry, among which most was found with official health certificates. The FEHD is checking the remaining health certificates and tracing the source of the products concerned. Investigation is ongoing. In addition, personnel of the FSD found in one of the premises a tank containing about 200 litres of diesel oil that was suspected to have no approval by the FSD. The 39-year-old woman was intercepted by personnel of the FSD for further investigation. She was suspected to have contravened the Dangerous Goods (General) Regulations and will be prosecuted.

     In addition, an officer of the EMSD found that there were several cables without sufficient mechanical protection, and no warning notice was displayed for switchroom and distribution boards, which might pose danger. The EMSD will take follow-up action. The Police will also maintain close contact with other law enforcement agencies to combat relevant illegal activities.

     Under the Food Business Regulation, the maximum penalty for operating an unlicensed cold store is a fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction.

     Under the Dangerous Goods (General) Regulations, the maximum penalty for the storage in bulk in liquid form of dangerous goods in Category 5, Class 3, without written approval by the Director of Fire Services is a fine of $5,000 and two months' imprisonment upon conviction.

     "We will continue stringent enforcement action against unlicensed food business to safeguard food safety and public health," an FEHD spokesman said.

     Members of the public can report any suspected illegal food business activities and contravention of the Dangerous Goods Ordinance by calling the FEHD hotline 2868 0000 and the FSD hotline 2723 8787 respectively.