Health officials say they are powerless to act against a broadening range of fruit-flavoured cigarettes being sold in Hong Kong, which have been criticised as a ploy by tobacco companies to entice teenagers to smoke.
Since being introduced just over a year ago, there are now at least three flavours on offer: strawberry, green apple and lemon.
They are marketed under the brands DJ Mix and Peel. Both are made by Hong Kong-based DJ Tobacco and priced at $30 and $32 per pack of 20, respectively. The company also makes orange and melon-flavoured cigarettes but it is unknown whether they are distributed locally.
All feature colourful packaging, and the individual sticks give off fruity flavours even when not lit.
A Department of Health official said the government was keen to increase awareness of the dangers of smoking among children but admitted they were unable to act because there was nothing in the law to stop companies selling the cigarettes.
Like many other countries, Hong Kong prohibits cigarettes with more than 17mg of tar. There are also stipulations on where and to whom cigarettes are sold, as well as on packaging. Legislation expected by the middle of next year will further tighten requirements.