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Consumer protection in Hong Kong

Consumer protection in Hong Kong
Hong Kong's Consumer Council is a watchdog focused on consumer rights and welfare.
Nestlé is embroiled in a global scare over the potential contamination of certain batches of baby milk formula. Photo: Sam Tsang
Hong Kong society

Nestlé Hong Kong recalls another baby milk formula batch as tests get all clear

Swiss food giant has added a batch of formula with best-before date of June 16, 2027, to its recall list.

Hong Kong society

Toxins ruled out in cases of Hong Kong infants falling ill after having formula

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Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Hong Kong pharmacies pull Nestle baby milk formula amid recall over toxin risk

Hong Kong

Hong Kong consumer watchdog finds 1 in 4 face washes fall short on ingredients

Consumers urged to try a small portion on skin beforehand as a precaution when using cleansers that are highly acidic.

Consumer Council CEO Alaina Shum (left) and Kenneth Chan hold a press conference at the council’s office in North Point. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong

No love lost as complaints soar over Hong Kong dating services and apps

Consumer Council says figure highest in recent years, with one woman demanding HK$70,000 refund after numerous unsatisfactory matches.

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong travel agency probed for revealing closure day before it folded

M&F Lucky Holiday, which owes 1,500 customers about HK$1.7 million for cancelled tours, could be in breach of Travel Industry Ordinance.

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Insurance

Hong Kong watchdog urges scrutiny of travel insurance terms amid claims disputes

Consumer Council says travellers should fully understand how policies define key terms and what activities are covered.

A traveller picks up her luggage at a baggage collection belt in Hong Kong International Airport. The Consumer Council notes 55 complaints over travel insurance claims were filed in the first 10 months of 2025. Photo: Roy Issa
Hong Kong society

Hong Kong driving schools slammed over opaque fees, insufficient training hours

Consumer watchdog says courses at 11 driving schools fell short of 30-hour training requirement, forcing students to buy extra lessons.

Hong Kong society

Letters | Regulation of Hong Kong’s beauty industry cannot be skin deep

Readers discuss the need for stricter oversight of a fast-growing sector, the proper usage of the archaic ‘cum’, and Trump’s plan to cut the budget deficit.

Hong Kong transport

Opinion | Hong Kong’s road safety laws must be enforced with clarity and care

Safety is non-negotiable, but for long-term adherence to the city’s new rules, people must feel supported rather than policed.

As of this month, drivers of private cars must ensure children under eight years old or shorter than 1.35 metres are secured in appropriate child restraints. Photo: Shutterstock
Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Editorial | Medical Council must handle all complaints fairly and promptly

The watchdog’s decision to throw out a case against a paediatrician following an 8-year delay is unfair to all parties involved.

Mainland Chinese parents Lai Zhijin and Peng Hongying attend a press conference in Sham Shui Po about the delayed handling of a complaint to the Medical Council, on October 29. Photo: Jelly Tse
Consumers

Hong Kong consumer watchdog urges caution over prepaid restaurant coupon schemes

Major restaurant chains using coupon promotions to boost business amid sluggish market, but Consumer Council warns risks remain.

Hong Kong transport

Editorial | Hong Kong’s tighter seat belt rules are welcome but more can be done

Greater public awareness is required as the city makes long-overdue amendments to road safety rules.

Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Editorial | Hong Kong’s licensing regime for clinics is just what the doctor ordered

The city’s licensing rules for clinics and certain beauty parlours will strengthen trust in private healthcare and hopefully improve patient safety.

About 1,500 of Hong Kong’s clinics and beauty parlours that provide injections to customers must get a licence under the city’s new regulations while 3,500 are eligible for an exemption if a registered doctor or dentist is operating them, subject to code of practice. Photo: Shutterstock
Pets

Some pet toys in Hong Kong have chemicals that can cause allergies: watchdog

But Consumer Council says 97 per cent of tested dog toys comply with migration limits stipulated in European safety standard for children’s toys.

Hong Kong’s Consumer Council has tested 30 dog toys and found the vast majority contain no harmful substances. Photo: Karma Lo
Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Private clinics, beauty parlours start securing licences under new Hong Kong rules

Dr Darwin Mak says licensing regime is introduced in response to a change in the way clinics operate and mainly targets those running as chains.

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong set for cheaper, fresher hairy crabs as direct imports resume

Seasonal delicacy shipped directly from the mainland for the first time in 6 years.

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Hong Kong society

Balloon festival organiser was urged to cancel rides: Hong Kong tourism minister

Rosanna Law says authorities told organiser eight days before event began on September 4 there was not enough time to test balloon rides.

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The hot-air balloon festival in Central triggered a flurry of complaints after tethered rides were cancelled. Photo: Dickson Lee
Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Editorial | Consumer Council right to flag issues around child vaccinations

Parents should heed the watchdog’s advice of avoiding prepaid vaccination schemes without prior medical consultation.

Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

3 held in Hong Kong after anti-ageing shots in clinic leave pair seriously ill

Three arrested for allegedly practising medicine without a licence at Bioscor Hong Kong clinic in Central.

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong to scrutinise Central Harbourfront lease after hot-air balloon saga

Central Harbourfront is among event spaces leased to private operators, with area hosting recent AIA International Hot Air Balloon Fest.

The organiser of the AIA International Hot Air Balloon Fest Hong Kong later issued refunds in response to the public backlash. Photo: Dickson Lee
Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong banquet restaurant’s suspected closure upends wedding plans

Starry Terrace in Tsim Sha Tsui had been accepting deposits for events and took part in wedding expo last month.

Starry Terrace in Tsim Sha Tsui. The restaurant is part of the same group as the Super Star Seafood Restaurant chain, whose last remaining branch in Mong Kok closed in July. Photo: Handout
Hong Kong’s Consumer Council

Singaporean’s HK$30,400 bill sparks warning over Hong Kong pharmacy malpractices

‘These malpractices not only damage the reputation of Hong Kong’s retail and tourism industries, but also undermine tourists’ confidence,’ watchdog says.

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Hong Kong’s Consumer Council

93% of tested clay masks found to contain heavy metals: Hong Kong watchdog

Apivita Express Beauty, Aromatica Tea Tree Pore Purifying clay masks found to have arsenic, lead levels exceeding mainland Chinese, US limits.

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong watchdog warns against buying prepaid child vaccinations without advice

Consumer Council issues warning after finding most private service providers do not offer full refunds even when a child is unfit for a jab.

Hong Kong’s Consumer Council has urged parents not to buy prepaid vaccinations plans for their children without first consulting a doctor. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong

How a Hong Kong mum’s eloquent balloon fest rant won fans and refunds

‘I have been told that having a crazy woman like me standing up has awoken the idea in some people that they can fight too,’ Dreamy Ho says.

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Dreamy Ho captured widespread attention in Hong Kong following a viral interview clip. Photo: SCMP
Hong Kong society

Hong Kong officials ‘could have provided better guidance to failed balloon event’

Lawmakers Doreen Kong, Michael Tien say government should be more proactive when dealing with high-risk or special events.

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Hong Kong society

Editorial | Hong Kong’s telehealth market must put patient welfare front and centre

Online consultations can help ease the burden of the public healthcare system but robust quality standards should be upheld.

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