The Customs & Excise Department has arrested 10 people after closing down a Lok Ma Chau workshop making counterfeit monosodium glutamate or MSG.

It launched an inquiry after receiving a trademark owner's complaint about fake products three weeks ago.

On July 24 officers seized 291 bags of bogus MSG worth $28,000, and 1,123 bags of raw and packing materials, and manufacturing equipment worth $116,000.

Two wholesale shops in Western District and several restaurants and food premises were searched. Seven men and three women, aged 34 to 55, were arrested, including workshop operators and wholesalers.