*********************************************************
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) raided two unlicensed food factories in Kowloon, one in Tsim Sha Tsui yesterday (March 17) and the other in Jordan today (March 18), seizing a total of about 180 kilogrammes of food.
The two unlicensed food factories operated by way of distributing takeaway order fliers under fictitious names in the street. Meal boxes would be delivered to customers after orders were placed by phone.
During a blitz operation this afternoon, FEHD staff arrested a 42-year-old man running an unlicensed food factory at Shanghai Street in Jordan. About 80 kilogrammes of food and some cooking paraphernalia were seized. The man was charged subsequently.
In another operation at Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui yesterday, two 30-year-old women and a man aged 29 were arrested. About 100 kilogrammes of food and some cooking paraphernalia were seized. The three persons arrested are assisting in the investigation.
Under the Food Business Regulation, the maximum penalty for operating an unlicensed food factory is a fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment.
"We will continue to take stringent enforcement action against unlicensed food business to ensure food safety and protect public health," an FEHD spokesman said.
"People should report such illegal activities through the 1823 Call Centre."
Ends/Friday, March 18, 2011
Issued at HKT 20:39
NNNN
