Hong Kong Customs has arrested a saleswoman at a ginseng and dried-seafood shop suspected of engaging in unfair trade practices involving a misleading omission in the sale of pseudo-ginseng.

Customs earlier received information alleging that a saleswoman at the Tsim Sha Tsui shop had misled a purchaser to believe the unit price of pseudo-ginseng was calculated per catty. After the pseudo-ginseng was ground, the saleswoman revealed that the goods were priced per mace.

After investigation, Customs arrested a 45-year-old woman. She has been released on bail pending further investigation.

Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, it is an offence for traders to omit or hide material information that may cause a consumer to make a transactional. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of HK$500,000 (US$64,408) and imprisonment for five years.