Anti-tobacco campaigners have voiced fresh concern that Hong Kong's youth are being lured into smoking after it was discovered chocolate cigarettes are being sold at this year's Food Expo.
Each chocolate stick, sold in packs of 10, is wrapped in white paper with a 'filter' end resembling real cigarettes. The boxes of the individually paper-rolled, cigarette-shaped chocolates also carry made-up brand names such as Royer, Mexican Dreams, Fortune and Lexington.
Originating from Holland, they are being sold by local exhibitor Eastern Zone for $5 a packet. Batch purchases of five packets come with a free pack.
Medical legislator Lo Wing-lok said selling chocolate cigarettes would desensitise children to the harmful effects of smoking, making them more likely to light up later.
'It is not a good idea to put the impression into the minds of children at such a tender age that cigarettes are a good thing, as good as chocolates,' said Dr Lo.
At the expo yesterday, young girls were seen checking out the cigarettes.
The family of one teenage girl who bought two packets refused to comment.