Customs today urged people to stop using a type of surgical mask which had a bacterial count that exceeded the permitted limit.

The department received test results for the latest batch of 38 test-purchased surgical mask samples on June 11.

The total bacterial count of the sample of one type of surgical mask exceeded the maximum permitted limit by 25%, in contravention of the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance.

These masks, manufactured in China, were packed in boxes of 10 pieces each and were sold for $180.

Following the test results, the department conducted immediate enforcement action and seized four boxes of the mask from a pharmacy in Tsim Sha Tsui and arrested a 58-year-old man.

The department launched a city-wide special operation on January 27 to conduct spot checks, test purchases and inspections of surgical masks available on the market.