FEHD combats illegal import and sale of chewing smokeless tobacco products
The Centre for Food Safety and the Environmental Hygiene Branch of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (July 12) conducted blitz inspections at retail outlets and detected two suspected cases of illegal import and sale of chewing smokeless tobacco products.
FEHD officers, upon receiving intelligence, conducted blitz operations at the targeted retail outlets today to combat the illegal import and sale of chewing smokeless tobacco products. During the operations, FEHD officers found two suspected cases of illegal import and sale of chewing smokeless tobacco products and seized all products concerned for further investigation and testing. Should there be sufficient evidence, prosecution will be instituted against the persons involved. The investigation is ongoing.
A spokesman for the FEHD said that the department will continue its inspection work to combat the illegal sale of chewing smokeless tobacco products. Moreover, the FEHD will maintain close liaison and exchange of intelligence with other enforcement departments, including Hong Kong Customs, and enhance enforcement actions at various boundary control points to combat the illegal import of smokeless tobacco products.
According to the Smokeless Tobacco Products (Prohibition) Regulations (Cap. 132BW), no person shall import, manufacture, sell, possess for sale, offer or expose for sale, consign or deliver any smokeless tobacco product. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
The spokesman said that the department has been closely monitoring and taking enforcement actions to combat activities in breach of the Regulations. Under the Regulations, a smokeless tobacco product refers to any product which consists of tobacco, or primarily of tobacco, intended to be taken orally, and includes chewing tobacco (whether looseleaf, firm plug, moist plug, twist or roll chewing tobacco) and moist snuff, but does not include dry snuff taken by inhalation.
All tobacco products are harmful to health. Smokeless tobacco products contain various harmful substances, including carcinogens. The spokesman appealed to persons using chewing tobacco products to quit smoking as soon as possible for their personal health. Members of the public may visit the relevant website (www.livetobaccofree.hk) or call the integrated smoking cessation hotline (1833 183) of the Department of Health for information on smoking cessation.
FEHD combats illegal import and sale of chewing smokeless tobacco products Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CHP reminds public on precautions against heat stroke during very hot weather
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (September 18) reminded members of the public, particularly those undertaking outdoor activities, to take heed of necessary measures against heat stroke and sunburn in very hot weather.
"The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities," a spokesman for the CHP said.
"Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system," the spokesman explained.
"Infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, outdoor/manual workers, and individuals who are overweight are more vulnerable to heat stroke. They should pay special attention," the spokesman added.
The public should adopt the following precautions:
Wear loose and light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation;
Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged activities like hiking or trekking as heat, sweating and exhaustion can place additional demands on the physique;
Perform outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon, if possible;
For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation;
Do not stay inside a parked vehicle; and
Reschedule work to cooler times of the day if feasible. If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable. Start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Move to a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.
The public should also note the latest and the forecast Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV Index is high (6 or above):
Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;
Wear long-sleeved and loose-fitting clothes;
Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella;
Seek a shaded area or put on UV-blocking sunglasses;
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15, preferably higher. Reapply every two hours if you stay out in the sun, and after swimming, sweating or towelling off; and
While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.
If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
The public may obtain more information from the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111),heat strokepage andUV radiationpage; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200),latestweather report and forecast,UV Indexand weather information forhiking and mountaineering; andpress releasesof the Labour Departmenton precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force.
