Massive leap in raw meat and egg smuggling into Hong Kong sparks food poisoning warning
- Almost 190 cases involving illegal importation of foodstuffs – about two cases a day – logged in first three months of year
- Customs officials say food smuggling cases increased after border with mainland China reopened earlier this year
An increase in the illegal importation of raw meat and eggs since the border with mainland China reopened has sparked a warning from Hong Kong customs officials that their consumption could lead to food poisoning and other health problems.
Officials on Thursday said the 186 cases involving illegal importation of foodstuffs recorded in the first three months of 2023 – about two cases a day – were almost as many as the 192 similar cases recorded for the whole of last year.
Customs chief superintendent Barry Lai Chi-wing said the service noticed a jump in smuggling offences after travel restrictions were dropped at the start of the year.
Eggs accounted for 62 per cent of the foodstuffs smuggled and raw meat for 38 per cent.
“Travellers usually put the meat and eggs in their hand luggage, suitcases, carts or nylon bags,” Lai said.