Unlicensed food factory selling cakes online fined $3,000
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A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said that the department earlier detected an unlicensed food factory at Sai Yeung Choi Street South, Mong Kok, selling cakes online. An operation was thus mounted on March 30, and prosecution was instituted against the operator of the premises.
Under the Food Business Regulation (Cap. 132X), any person who carries on any food business which involves the preparation of food for sale for human consumption off the premises must obtain a food factory licence. Anyone operating an unlicensed food factory commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction. The spokesman reminded the trade to observe the relevant legislation when selling food online.
"The FEHD has been monitoring online food sale activities. If an unlicensed food business is suspected to be involved in selling any food for human consumption online, or the food is from a suspicious source, FEHD officers will conduct investigations and take follow-up action accordingly to safeguard food safety and public health. Should there be sufficient evidence, prosecution will be initiated," the spokesman said.
Members of the public can report suspected unlicensed food premises by calling the FEHD hotline 2868 0000.
Ends/Thursday, April 13, 2017
Issued at HKT 18:50
Issued at HKT 18:50
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