Customs seizes fake dried deer tendons

The Customs and Excise Department seized 187 catties of suspected fake dried deer tendons worth about $41,200 in a series of raids on 28 dried food retailers last week.

Customs investigations revealed that some unscrupulous retailers were selling suspected fake deer tendons to deceive consumers. Samples of the suspected dried deer tendons were given to an accredited laboratory for DNA tests and examined by experts of the dried food trade.  Results confirmed that the samples were cattle tendons.

To protect consumer rights, the Department took enforcement action last week and searched 28 dried food shops in To Kwa Wan, Mong Kok, Sham Shui Po, Tuen Mun, Shatin, Tsuen Wan, Tai Po, Yuen Long, Tin Shui Wai, Shau Kei Wan and North Point. Some 187 catties of suspected fake dried deer tendons were seized. During the operation, two women and a man, aged from 40 to 53, were arrested. They were released on bail pending further investigation.

According to Mr Lam Po-chuen, Head of Consumer Protection Bureau, the price of genuine dried deer tendons was much higher than that of dried cattle tendons. In order to make profits, some unscrupulous traders were trying to deceive customers by selling fake dried deer tendons, he added. 

Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who supplies goods with a false trade description in the course of trade or business or has in his possession for sale any goods with a false trade description is a criminal offence.