Burger King, a fast food chain located on Staunton Street in Central, did not comply with the requirements of a statutory notice issued by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) and failed to reduce cooking fume emissions. The restaurant was today (December 17) convicted and fined $8,000 by Eastern Magistrates' Courts for contravening the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (APCO).
      
     During the investigation of a complaint against cooking fume emissions from a restaurant in April this year, the EPD found that the fast food restaurant concerned, Burger King, did not properly maintain its air pollution control equipment, and emitted excessive cooking fumes which affected nearby residents. The EPD then issued a statutory notice under the APCO requiring the restaurant to properly repair and maintain its air pollution control equipment by the deadline. The restaurant had failed to complete the improvement works required and continued to emit visible cooking fumes after specified date, which violated the requirement of the statutory notice. The EPD subsequently prosecuted Burger King and continued to follow up on the case. At present, the emissions from the restaurant concerned have improved noticeably.
            
     An EPD spokesman reminded food business operators that they should properly design and install appropriate and effective air pollution control equipment in the kitchens of food premises. They should also arrange for experienced technicians to clean, check and repair the equipment regularly, so as to avoid causing air pollution and nuisance to nearby residents. 
      
     According to the APCO, restaurant operators should adopt effective remedial measures to abate excessive cooking fume emissions within a specified time limit upon receipt of a statutory notice. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000. A maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment may be imposed on second or subsequent convictions.

Ends/Monday, December 17, 2018
Issued at HKT 15:30

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