McDonald's restaurant in Tsuen Wan convicted for causing air pollution by emitting excessive cooking fumes
******************************************************************************************
The EPD enforcement officers received a complaint from a resident in January this year and found that the restaurant concerned was emitting excessive cooking fumes which affected nearby pedestrian and residents. The EPD then issued a statutory notice under the APCO requesting the restaurant to take remedial measures by the deadline. The EPD officers conducted on-site inspection after the specified date and found that the restaurant continued to emit visible cooking fumes, which violated the requirements of the statutory notice. The EPD then prosecuted the restaurant in accordance with the law. It was subsequently noted that the restaurant's air pollution control equipment was not in operation at that time.
An EPD spokesman reminded food business operators that the responsible persons should properly install and operate effective air pollution control equipment in the kitchens of food premises. They should also hire experienced technicians to clean, check and repair the equipment regularly to avoid causing air pollution. According to the APCO, restaurant operators should adopt effective remedial measures to abate excessive cooking fume emissions within a specified time limit upon receipt of a statutory notice. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000. A maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment may be imposed on second or subsequent convictions.
Ends/Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Issued at HKT 15:05
Issued at HKT 15:05
NNNN