Advice is being sought on whether Hong Kong Disneyland's request that health inspectors remove part of their uniform while inspecting the park is illegal.

Director of Food & Environmental Hygiene Gregory Leung said on a radio talk show today the incident has occurred twice. He said the move is unacceptable and has sent a letter to the park's management reminding them the statutory role of law enforcement officers.

Meanwhile, Mr Leung admitted that about 15% of health inspectors have joined the voluntary retirement scheme causing a manpower shortage. The department has recruited some contract staff to conduct simple health-related work, while health inspectors will focus on food premises inspection.