TACO Investigates Animation for Containing Unlawful Tobacco Advertising, Safeguarding a Healthy Future for Young People

DH takes action against unlawful tobacco advertising to safeguard a healthy, smoke free future for young people

In response to an online animation suspected of contravening the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371) (the Ordinance), the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health (DH) today (August 18) stressed that the animation in question does far more than depicting a character smoking. It repeatedly, continuously and prominently displays cigarette packs and tobacco products from multiple angles, with clearly recognisable brand names and logos. Such depictions constitute tobacco advertising as defined under the Ordinance and are suspected to involve product placement and dissemination of tobacco advertisements, in breach of sections 13B and 14.

The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office, Photo source: reference image

TACO received a public complaint regarding an animation containing tobacco advertisements posted on two online platforms. The animation repeatedly and clearly displayed tobacco products and a tobacco product brand name. Following investigation, TACO issued notices to the relevant platforms requiring them to cease any activities that may contravene the statutory prohibition on tobacco advertising. TACO will continue to follow up on the case.

The animation implicated in the case, Photo source: online image

According to section 13B of the Ordinance, no person shall place or cause to be placed a smoking product advertisement on the Internet; Section 14(1) of the Ordinance stipulates that an advertisement is a smoking product advertisement if it: (a) contains any express or implied inducement, suggestion or request to purchase or smoke any smoking product; (b) relates to smoking in terms which are calculated, expressly or impliedly, to promote or encourage the use of any smoking product; or (c) illustrates or mentions smoking or any smoking products or their packages or qualities; Section 14(2) of the Ordinance clearly states that where an advertisement includes any trade mark or brand name of a smoking product, or any pictorial device or part thereof commonly associated therewith, then the advertisement shall be deemed to be a smoking product advertisement. According to the Ordinance, advertisement means any announcement to the public made or to be made in any manner.

Any person convicted of an offence under the relevant provisions is liable on conviction to a fine of HK$50,000, and in the case of a continuing offence, to an additional fine of HK$1,500 for each day during which the offence continues.

From 2022 to 2025, TACO received approximately 1,100 to 4, 600 complaints or referrals each year concerning smoking product advertisements. During the same period, TACO issued a total of 180 summonses and 45 warning letters for suspected violations.

Prohibiting tobacco advertising and promotion is a key tobacco control measure in Hong Kong. TACO enforces the law strictly in accordance with statutory requirements and evidence, preventing any attempt to subtly promote tobacco products through animations or other means. This helps eliminate the harm posed by tobacco products and protects public health.

TACO again urges smokers to quit as early as possible, not only for their own health but also for the well being of their families and others. The DH's Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline 1833 183, operated by registered nurses, provides professional counselling services to support smoking cessation.

The animation implicated in the case, Photo source: online image

CFS urges public not to consume batch of imported spread product suspected to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (August 18) urged the public not to consume a batch of spread product imported from France due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The trade should stop using or selling the affected batch of the product immediately if they possess it.

The Centre for Food Safety, Photo source: reference image

Product details are as follows:

Product name: Ktipiti Extra Red Pepper & Feta Cheese Spread

Brand: L'atelier Blini

Place of origin: France

Net weight: 175 grams

Batch number: 12262661

Use-by date: August 30, 2026

Importer: City Super Limited

Ktipiti Extra Red Pepper & Feta Cheese Spread, Photo source: online image

"The CFS, through its Food Incident Surveillance System, noted a notification from the Rappel Conso of France that the above-mentioned product is being recalled as it might be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes due to suspected issue with the cold chain. Upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately contacted local importers to follow up. A preliminary investigation found that the above-mentioned importer had imported into Hong Kong the affected batch of the product concerned," a spokesman for the CFS said.

As a precautionary measure, the importer concerned has stopped sales and removed from shelves the affected batch of the product and has initiated a recall according to the CFS's instructions. Members of the public may call the importer's hotline at 2736 3866 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.

"Listeria monocytogenes can be easily destroyed by cooking but can survive and multiply at refrigerator temperatures. Most healthy individuals do not develop symptoms or only have mild symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea when infected. However, severe complications such as septicaemia, meningitis or even death may occur in newborns, the elderly and those with a weaker immune system. Although infected pregnant women may just experience mild symptoms generally, the infection of Listeria monocytogenes may cause miscarriage, infant death, preterm birth, or severe infection in newborns," the spokesman added.

"In order to reduce the risk of listeriosis, susceptible populations such as pregnant women should consume freshly prepared hot food where possible, reheat chilled food until it is hot all the way through, and avoid high-risk foods, including ready-to-eat food such as cold cuts, cold smoked seafood, soft cheeses, salads, etc, or cook them thoroughly before consumption, even if they are presented as part of a dish."

The spokesman advised members of the public to stop consuming the affected batch of the product and seek medical treatment if they feel unwell after consuming the product concerned.

The CFS has contacted the French authority over the incident and will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action to safeguard food safety and public health. The investigation is ongoing.

Spread product, Photo source: online image