Authorities arrest 14 in crackdown on unlicensed hawkers, seize 600kg of food

Hong Kong’s hygiene authorities have arrested 14 people during a citywide crackdown on unlicensed hawkers and seized 600kg (1,320lbs) of food, some of which was expired.Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Chief Health Inspector Chan Sze-man, responsible for hawkers, said on Wednesday that the suspects, aged 38 to 76, were arrested in various districts between July 17 and 28.All of the suspects held Hong Kong identity cards.She emphasised that the department had long adopted a reasonable and compassionate approach to handling unlicensed hawkers, exercising discretion in cases involving those who were elderly or had disabilities.“However, I have to stress that we will never compromise as food safety directly matters to public health,” she said.Food and hawking equipment seized during the operation. Photo: SCMPOf the 14 arrested, 13 were also charged with obstructing public places, while two were additionally charged with selling restricted food without permission, Chan said.