Cfs cracks down on irregularities in prepackaged food labelling in hong kong: potential prosecution for vendor selling non-compliant products online
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (June 21) that the CFS conducted a blitz operation against irregularities in the labelling of prepackaged food products on June 19. During the operation, CFS officers found that prepackaged food products not in compliance with food labelling laws in Hong Kong were sold at a collection point of an online platform, which was suspected of contravening the requirements under the Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations (Cap. 132W) (the Regulations). Should there be sufficient evidence, prosecution will be instituted against the vendor concerned. The investigation is ongoing.
A spokesman for the CFS said that it will continue to monitor and ensure compliance of relevant food safety and labelling laws of prepackaged food products for sale in Hong Kong, including food products sold by online platforms.
According to the Regulations, unless exempted in Schedule four and six of the Regulations or otherwise stated, prepackaged food shall be marked and labelled in the manner prescribed in the Regulations. Any person who advertises for sale, sells or manufactures for sale any prepackaged food which is not marked or labelled in compliance with the Regulations commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction.
The spokesman reminded members of the public to patronise licensed food premises and online shops with appropriate permits when purchasing restricted food, and pay attention to the potential food safety risks when purchasing food online. The CFS has also published advice for food businesses and consumers on online grocery shopping and delivery, which is accessible at the CFS website (www.cfs.gov.hk/english/food_leg/guidelines/Online_Grocery_Trade_e.pdf).
CFS conducts blitz enforcement operation against food labelling irregularities Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Stay safe in the sun: public urged to take precautions against heat stroke and sunburn during very hot weather, health officials warn
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (June 28) reminded members of the public, particularly those undertaking outdoor activities, to take heed of necessary measures against heat stroke and sunburn in very hot weather.
"The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities," a spokesman for the CHP said.
"Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system," the spokesman explained.
"Infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, outdoor/manual workers, and individuals who are overweight are more vulnerable to heat stroke. They should pay special attention," the spokesman added.
The public should adopt the following precautions:
Wear loose and light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation;
Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged activities like hiking or trekking as heat, sweating and exhaustion can place additional demands on the physique;
Perform outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon, if possible;
For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation;
Do not stay inside a parked vehicle; and
Reschedule work to cooler times of the day if feasible. If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable. Start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Move to a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.
The public should also note the latest and the forecast Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV Index is high (6 or above):
Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;
Wear long-sleeved and loose-fitting clothes;
Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella;
Seek a shaded area or put on UV-blocking sunglasses;
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15, preferably higher. Reapply every two hours if you stay out in the sun, and after swimming, sweating or towelling off; and
While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.
If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
The public may obtain more information from the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111),heat strokepage andUV radiationpage; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200),latestweather report and forecast,UV Indexand weather information forhiking and mountaineering; andpress releasesof the Labour Departmenton precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force.
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