Thirty-one illegal workers and six local employers have been arrested in a joint operation against unlicensed food businesses conducted by the Immigration and Food & Environmental Hygiene Departments.

More than 100 officers raided unlicensed food factories in Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok from 10am today. Immigration officers also conducted undercover patrols to identify suspected illegal workers delivering fast food in Mong Kok.

Thirty-one Mainlanders from Guangdong, 17 men and 14 women aged 18 to 42, were arrested for breaching their conditions of stay. Five Hong Kong men and one woman, aged 20 to 49, were arrested for employing the workers, or aiding and abetting others to breach their conditions of stay.

Illegal workers face a $50,000 fine and two years jail. Employers of illegal workers face a $350,000 fine and three years jail. Unlicensed food factory operators face a $50,000 fine and six months jail.

The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department will continue enforcement action against unlicensed food businesses to safeguard public health. Anyone with information on unlicensed food businesses should call 2868 0000.