A Chinese restaurant was fined $5,000 today (May 8) at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts for supplying food with false trade description in the course of trade, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).

     Acting on information, Hong Kong Customs conducted a test-buy operation at the Chinese restaurant in August last year. Menu of the restaurant stated that one type of its fried rice contained abalone. Upon examination by the Government Laboratory, it was confirmed no abalone was found in the fried rice, which was not in line with the trade description on the menu.

     Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to procure services at reputable shops. 

     Under the TDO, any person who supplies goods with a false trade description in the course of trade or business, or in possession of any goods for sale with a false trade description, commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected violations of the TDO to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.

Ends/Monday, May 8, 2017
Issued at HKT 13:46

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