FEHD continues to combat unlicensed hawkers selling food from unknown sources
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The spokesman said that about 350 kilograms of food items, including sushi, bread, cakes, canned food, bottled soybean milk, packaged milk, fish and meat, were seized during the operations. The unlicensed hawkers concerned were charged with illegal hawking, causing obstruction in public places, selling restricted food without permission or selling expired food. So far, 81 relevant cases have been adjudicated, with all defendants convicted and fined by the court. Among them, two unlicensed hawkers were each fined $5,000.
In general, FEHD staff will deal with elderly or disabled hawkers in a more lenient manner. However, the FEHD spokesman stressed that if the sale of food from unknown sources or expired food is involved, due to food safety considerations, FEHD staff will take stringent enforcement actions, including immediate arrests without prior warning. Enforcement actions by the FEHD will continue. No one should defy the law.
The spokesman also reminded members of the public that consuming food from unknown sources and expired food, particularly high-risk food such as meat, sashimi and sushi, may pose serious food safety risks. Members of the public should refrain from patronising illegal hawkers when purchasing any food. The public may report hawkers selling suspicious food to the FEHD. Immediate follow-up actions will be taken.
According to the relevant ordinances, unlicensed hawking is subject to a maximum fine of $10,000 and six months' imprisonment. If unlicensed hawking activities also cause obstruction of passageways, offenders may be fined $25,000 or imprisoned for three months. In addition, any person who sells restricted food (including frozen meat, sashimi and sushi) without permission or sells expired food commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction.
The FEHD reaffirmed its commitment to relentlessly curbing unlicensed hawking activities, particularly when it involves food sales, and called on the public to work together to safeguard food safety and environmental hygiene.
Ends/Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Issued at HKT 16:08
Issued at HKT 16:08
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