A surge in people bringing prohibited food items into Hong Kong from mainland China without proper health certificates has prompted lawmaker Peter Shiu Ka-fai to call for increased border inspections. The number of violations has increased by 55% compared to last year, leading to concerns about safety risks and impacts on local businesses. Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan reported 431 non-compliance cases and 503 prosecutions this year, up by 51.5%. Shiu emphasized the need for improved public education and stricter checks at the border to prevent further violations. He suggested deploying sniffer dogs, X-ray machines, and manual inspections as deterrents. Shiu also raised concerns about food safety risks and the potential for unregulated imports to harm local businesses. He questioned the adequacy of current fines for smuggling prohibited items and stressed the importance of upholding safety standards in imported food products.
Lawmaker urges Hong Kong to enhance border food checks
