In a decisive move to curb the illegal sale of chewing smokeless tobacco products, the Centre for Food Safety and the Environmental Hygiene Branch of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department launched a series of blitz inspections across multiple retail outlets in Hong Kong on June 10, 2024. The operation aimed to strengthen the crackdown on the illicit trade of these prohibited items, which pose significant health risks to consumers.
During the surprise inspections, FEHD officers uncovered one suspected case of selling chewing smokeless tobacco products. Acting swiftly, the authorities seized all the products in question for further investigation and testing. The department has made it clear that should sufficient evidence be found, they will not hesitate to prosecute the individuals involved in this illegal activity. The investigation into the matter is currently ongoing.
A spokesman for the FEHD emphasized the department's commitment to combating the illegal sale of chewing smokeless tobacco products. In addition to the ongoing inspection work, the FEHD plans to maintain close liaison and intelligence exchange with other enforcement departments, such as Hong Kong Customs. This collaborative approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of enforcement actions at various boundary control points, thereby preventing the illegal import of smokeless tobacco products into the city.
Under the Smokeless Tobacco Products (Prohibition) Regulations, it is strictly prohibited for any person to import, manufacture, sell, possess for sale, offer or expose for sale, consign, or deliver any smokeless tobacco product. Violators of these regulations face severe penalties, including a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.
The FEHD spokesman highlighted the department's vigilance in monitoring and taking enforcement actions against activities that breach the Smokeless Tobacco Products (Prohibition) Regulations. The regulations define a smokeless tobacco product as any product consisting of tobacco, or primarily of tobacco, intended for oral consumption. This includes various forms of chewing tobacco, such as looseleaf, firm plug, moist plug, twist, or roll chewing tobacco, as well as moist snuff. However, dry snuff taken by inhalation does not fall under this category.
The spokesman also took the opportunity to emphasize the harmful nature of all tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco products. These products contain a range of harmful substances, including carcinogens, which can have severe consequences on an individual's health. The FEHD strongly appealed to persons currently using chewing tobacco products to quit as soon as possible for the sake of their personal well-being. As the FEHD continues its relentless efforts to combat the illegal sale of chewing smokeless tobacco products, the department remains committed to protecting public health and ensuring compliance with the law. Through a combination of surprise inspections, inter-departmental collaboration, and public awareness campaigns, the FEHD aims to create a safer and healthier environment for the people of Hong Kong.
