These cases have all been prosecuted under

Trade description Ordinance (Cap. 362)

Section 6 and 7 proscribes the sale of products with a false trade description, such as that of

  • the seafood’s species
  • presence of chemicals
  • origin of catch
  • method of production (wild or farmed)
  • sustainability or ethical standard of fishing practices

A false verbal description may also amount to a false trade description

Other than the Trade Description Ordinance (Cap. 362),
these 2 ordinances might also be applied to seafood mislabelling

Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132)

Section 61 proscribes any food labels with false descriptions on the nature, substance, or quality of the food.

Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations (Cap. 132W)

Mandate that Pre-packaged food* should be properly labelled

Examples of mandatory information are:

  • the name of the food;
  • a list of ingredients
  • the name and address, or code of the manufacturer or importer, except if the food was labelled with its country of origin

* Food packaged (whether completely or partially) in a way such that: (a) the contents cannot be changed without opening or changing the packaging; and (b) the food is ready to be given to either the ultimate consumer or a catering establishment as a single food item”.