Hong Kong food and customs authorities inspect hairy crab sales venues
Hong Kong's Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and Customs jointly inspected 50 hairy crab outlets. No violations were found. Authorities reminded traders to comply with food safety and trade description laws, and consumers to buy from licensed sellers.
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and Hong Kong Customs have continued their joint inspections of hairy crab sales premises across the city. In a statement on 12 November, an FEHD spokesman said that during the operation, the FEHD's Food Safety Centre and Environmental Hygiene Branch, together with Customs officers, inspected 50 hairy crab sales outlets. Checks were made on source documents and health certificates to ensure the hairy crabs complied with the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132) and the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (Cap. 362), and were fit for human consumption. Officers also distributed leaflets to remind traders of food safety and legal requirements. No violations were detected during the operation.
Under the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, all food sold in Hong Kong, whether locally produced or imported, must be fit for human consumption. Offenders face a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and six months' imprisonment. Under the Food Safety Ordinance (Cap. 612), failing to keep records of food movements without reasonable excuse is an offence, punishable by a fine of up to HK$10,000 and three months' jail.
The Food Business Regulation (Cap. 132X) prohibits the sale of restricted foods, including shellfish, without written permission from the FEHD Director. Hairy crab retailers must hold a FEHD permit for selling shellfish (hairy crabs), or obtain written permission if they already hold other relevant licences such as a fresh provisions shop licence or operate a market fish stall. Licensed premises must display the permit or licence prominently. Online-only sellers must obtain an online restricted food sales permit. Websites or online platform accounts selling hairy crabs must clearly show permit details, including the permit number, registered address and the types of restricted food approved for sale. Hairy crabs must come from reliable, reputable suppliers, and health certificates from authorities recognised by the FEHD Director must be kept. Selling without a licence or permission carries a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and six months' imprisonment.
Customs reminded traders that applying false trade descriptions to goods or services is illegal. Offenders under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance face a maximum fine of HK$500,000 and five years' imprisonment. Customs said it takes consumer protection seriously and will take enforcement action against any suspected breaches.
Both FEHD and Customs urged the trade not to import or sell hairy crabs or other food of unknown origin. Consumers should patronise reputable outlets that hold a FEHD shellfish (hairy crab) sales permit or written permission. Members of the public who suspect an operator is selling hairy crabs without the required permit or health certificate can report it to the FEHD hotline at 2868 0000 or by email at [email protected]. Those who suspect mislabelling of crab origin can contact the Customs 24-hour hotline at 182 8080, or report via the dedicated email at [email protected] or online form at eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/.