Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, after attending a public event today (June 15):

Reporter: Why not a complete ban if it is so risky to health?

Secretary for Food and Health: We are very concerned about e-cigarettes and also the heat-not-burn cigarettes because their components are actually harmful to health. Therefore, the Government has decided to strengthen its regulation. On deciding the direction of regulation or how to strengthen the regulation, first of all, we look into international evidence and local evidence. Secondly, we also revisit how the other countries are doing and what is the recommendation of the World Health Organization and other organisations' recommendations. Thirdly, we also need to look at the local situation to devise a regulation mechanism. Although we understand that there are different opinions about our proposed regulation direction, we continue to receive comments and review the international evidence. We do not preclude if there are any issues or problems with the existing proposed regulation framework. We will further strengthen our regulation.

Reporter: Is it because of the pressure from the tobacco manufacturers that the Government is not considering a complete ban?

Secretary for Food and Health: As a regulatory authority and also the Food and Health Bureau, we stand up to any pressure. The most important thing is public health. To protect public health is our first and foremost responsibility, so we can stand up to any pressure.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Friday, June 15, 2018
Issued at HKT 15:57

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