Hong Kong Customs arrested a salesman of a Causeway Bay ginseng and dried seafood shop suspected of engaging in unfair trade practices.

The ginseng retailer allegedly gave false trade descriptions in the sale of Opuntia ficus-indica (Opuntia), in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).

Customs had earlier received information alleging that a salesman of a ginseng and dried seafood shop in Causeway Bay applied a false trade description to goods, claiming that the unit price of Opuntia was calculated per catty. After the Opuntia was ground, the salesman of the shop revealed that the goods were priced per mace. After investigation, Customs arrested a 27-year-old man. Investigation is ongoing and the arrested person has been released on bail pending further investigation.

In a statement, Customs reminded retailers to comply with the requirements of the TDO and warned consumers to purchase products from reputable shops.

“Consumers should also be cautious about the unit price and ask for more information, including the total price of the goods selected, before making a purchase decision.”

Under the TDO, any person who applies a false trade description to any goods, or supplies goods with a false trade description in the course of trade or business, commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.