Hong Kong Customs seizes apples with suspected false species claim (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 14) seized 192 apples with a suspected false claim of species from a fruit retailer in Tai Po with an estimated market value of about $1,500.

     Customs earlier received information alleging that a fruit retailer sold a type of fruit with the suspected false claim of species as "Orin Apple".

     Customs officers conducted a test-buy operation immediately and seized the batch of apples with the suspected false claim of species from a fruit retailer in Tai Po. A 62-year-old male sole proprietor was arrested.

     Investigation is ongoing and inspections will continue.

     Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO). False or misleading claims on species of goods may constitute an offence under the TDO. Consumers are advised to procure goods at reputable shops.

     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).