Chain retailer, distributor and importer convicted of applying false trade description as well as supplying and possessing nutritional calcium supplement with false trade description
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Hong Kong Customs earlier received information alleging that a type of nutritional calcium supplement with suspected false descriptions of ingredients was being supplied in the market. Customs officers then test-purchased the supplement concerned from a branch in Sheung Wan of a chain retailer of personal care products and sent the samples to an accredited laboratory for testing. Test results revealed that the amount of Vitamin D3 contained in each tablet of the nutritional calcium supplement was 9.22 international units (IU) only, falling short by more than 96 per cent when compared to 250 IU as stated in the product's claim.
Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO. Consumers are also reminded to purchase products at reputable shops and to have clear knowledge of the product details and claims before purchase.
Under the TDO, any person who in the course of any trade or business applies a false trade description to any goods, or supplies or is 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 violation of the TDO to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Friday, September 9, 2022
Issued at HKT 15:45
Issued at HKT 15:45
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