The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department seized five tonnes of pork of unapproved origin from an unlicensed food factory in Tuen Mun today, and arrested the factory owner.

This is the first time the department found illicit pork at a meat processing premises.

Acting on information provided by the public, the department raided an unlicensed food factory in Nam Fung Industrial City, Block 2, Tuen Mun around noon.

About five tonnes of pork in 125 boxes, worth about $130,000, were found inside the premises.

The operator, who also runs a licensed food factory in the building, failed to produce any proof of its origin. He was arrested and will be charged with operating an unlicensed food factory and possession of meat for sale of unapproved origin. Another man who turned up at the scene is also assisting the department with its enquiry.

Any person possessing meat for sale of an unapproved origin, or operating an unlicensed food factory, will be liable to a fine of $50,000 and six months in prison.

Call the department's hotline, 2868 0000, to report illicit activities.