Customs cracks down 1,300 cases of regulated food smuggling

It exceeded the number of cases in 2023.

In the first eight months of the year, about 1,300 cases of illegal imports of regulated food through passenger channels were found at land boundary control points, exceeding the 1,019 cases in the year 2023, Hong Kong Customs and the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) revealed.

The CFS said members of the public who illegally bring regulated food into Hong Kong will not only be prosecuted but also need to be aware that these foods may be improperly stored during travel, such as at an improper temperature or unhygienic packaging, leading to the growth of pathogenic bacteria and increased food safety and personal health risks.

Meat and egg products not fully cooked and raw meat products in any form of packaging, including vacuum packed or tinfoil, are all subject to the control of relevant regulations. 

Moreover, it is an offence to bring any game, meat, poultry, or eggs into Hong Kong without a health certificate issued by an issuing entity of the place of origin and/or without prior written permission granted by the FEHD, according to the Imported Game, Meat, Poultry, and Eggs Regulations. 

An offender shall be liable on conviction to a fine of $50,000 and to imprisonment for six months.