Health inspectors are calling for more protection, because of attacks and intimidation.
Six attacks and 13 cases of intimidation of Urban and Regional Services health inspectors were reported in the past year.
Two of the attacks, which occurred last month, saw inspectors sent to hospital.
'One inspector had his hand chopped,' said Hong Kong Public Health Inspectors Association chairman Peter Ku Yuan-ching.
'Another was punched in the eye, his glasses were smashed. He had to undergo surgery to remove glass fragments from his eye.
'Conflicts often arise when the inspectors decide to prosecute or order the shutting down of a shop.' The inspectors were presumed to have been attacked because of their duties which include checking standards of hygiene in premises which serve food.
