Hong Kong customs has arrested the director of a mask manufacturer and a chain cosmetic store manager over face coverings which were found with a bacterial count exceeding safety limits by 12.5 times, prompting the brand to withdraw the items from sale.
The coloured and patchwork printed, limited edition protective gear were produced by Family Mask. The masks, claimed to have attained “ASTM Level 3” standards, were packed in bags of five and sold for HK$15 (US$2) per pack.
Customs and Excise Department officers test-purchased 16 samples of surgical masks with colours and patterns from the market. The Family Mask version, which came in a pack of five from a cosmetics chain’s retail shop in Jordan last December, was found to have contravened the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance due to the high bacterial count.