Five inspectors from Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety (CFS) are facing charges after allegedly stealing food samples meant for testing purposes, according to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
The inspectors, aged between 28 and 37, have been accused of conspiring to misappropriate food samples purchased by the CFS for testing radiation levels. The alleged misconduct occurred between May 2022 and March 2023. The samples, valued at over HK$88,000 (US$11,300), were purchased from five importers for testing purposes.
The defendants, who were part of the CFS’s risk management division’s food import and export section at the time, are charged with abusing their authority by failing to dispose of unused food samples properly after testing. Normally, unused samples are to be disposed of at designated refuse collection points and documented as per CFS guidelines.
The case came to light following a corruption complaint, prompting an ICAC investigation. Investigators discovered that the defendants had intended to retain unused food samples improperly, contrary to established procedures.
In response to the incident, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has suspended the accused inspectors from duty. A spokesperson emphasized the department’s commitment to upholding integrity and discipline among its staff, stating zero tolerance for any illegal activities.
In addition to legal action, the FEHD has implemented stricter protocols and enhanced its information systems to better manage and document the procurement and disposal of food samples. The ICAC has also provided integrity training to FEHD personnel involved in food testing to prevent future misconduct.
The accused inspectors have been released on bail pending their court appearance to enter a plea.
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