Sushiro Hong Kong denies links to alleged food smuggling uncovered in TVB show

A popular Japanese sushi chain in Hong Kong has denied involvement in alleged food smuggling after a broadcast investigation showed parallel traders transporting raw fish and chilled goods from mainland China using the chain’s foam boxes, sparking food safety fears.

Food and Life Companies, the parent firm of Sushiro HK, also threatened legal action against TVB in a statement on Monday night, criticising its report as incomplete and inaccurate, while arguing the free-to-air broadcaster’s investigation was based on one-sided information lacking a factual basis.

The accusations were made in an episode of Scoop that aired on Monday evening, after the show received an anonymous tip-off in May about a group of elderly individuals transporting boxes of food from the mainland to Hong Kong.

These boxes were marked with various food types, including salmon, and listed the addresses of different outlets, including those in Jordan, Sheung Wan and Kwai Fong, suggesting such goods were being smuggled to local eateries.

The programme stated that its production team conducted a lengthy investigation, spotting smugglers exchanging the goods in a car park near the Fung Ying Seen Koon temple in Fanling.

It also highlighted that the site conditions were poor and the storage methods used by the smugglers failed to meet hygiene standards for preservation.