Authorities arrest 14 over illegal hawking activities

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department arrested 14 people in Mong Kok on suspicion of illegal hawking. A total of 600 kilograms of food was seized, including expired food and lunch boxes.

Since July 17, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, or FEHD, has launched an operation across the city targeting illegal hawking activities. As of Tuesday, authorities arrested 14 people, aged between 38 and 76, on suspicion of selling food without a licence on Tong Mi Road, Mong Kok.

The suspects were allegedly seen selling a wide array of food, including fish, bread, lunch boxes and milk. Among the 600 kilograms of food seized, the department says 83 kg has an unknown origin.

Asked if Hong Kong has seen an increase in illegal hawking activities, the department says there has been a drop, stressing that authorities adopt a "reasonable" approach to handing unlicensed hawkers who are elderly or disabled.

Chan Sze-man, FEHD's chief health inspector, says " However, to safeguard food safety and public health, if the sale of cooked food, food from unknown sources, expired food, prohibited or restricted high-risk food is involved, the department will adopt a "zero-tolerance" approach, including immediate arrests without prior warning."

Under the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, unlicensed hawkers can receive a maximum fine of 5,000 dollars and an one-month jail sentencing on first conviction. For repeated offenders, the penalty will be a fine of 10,000 dollars and six-month jail sentencing.