A Hong Kong man, Franklin Lo Kim-ngai (63), has admitted in court to repeatedly contaminating bottled soft drinks with his urine over the course of more than a year as part of what he described as a “prank.” The contaminated drinks, including Coca-Cola Plus and 7-Up, were placed back on shelves in major supermarket chains across the city, prompting public health concerns and legal action.
Lo pleaded guilty to administering a noxious substance with intent to injure and a second count of attempted administration of a noxious substance, offences that under Hong Kong’s Offences Against the Person Ordinance carry a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment.
According to court testimony, Lo’s actions occurred between July 21, 2024 and August 6, 2025. During this period, he opened sealed bottles of soda at branches of major supermarket chains, including Wellcome and ParknShop, added urine to the drinks, and then placed the bottles back among the regular inventory.
The contamination first came to light when customers reported odd tastes or smells in some bottles, prompting manufacturer and retailer responses. Swire Coca-Cola, the local bottler for Coca-Cola products, received multiple reports of suspect drinks at various supermarket locations.
One particularly concerning incident involved a nine-year-old boy who consumed a bottle of Coca-Cola Plus from a Wellcome store in Mong Kok in July 2025 and subsequently felt unwell. He was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure, though authorities reported no long-term health damage was found.
Lo told the court that he had been struggling with depression following the death of his parents, divorce, and subsequent estrangement from his ex-wife and son. His lawyer explained these personal challenges as context for his behaviour, although the act of contaminating consumer products remains a criminal offence.
The case is being closely followed in court as Lo now awaits sentencing, with the judge considering both the criminal charges and evidence regarding the defendant’s mental state submitted by his legal counsel.
While incidents of deliberate contamination like this are exceptionally rare, food and beverage safety laws in Hong Kong and elsewhere strictly prohibit tampering with consumable products, particularly when the contaminant is a biological substance such as urine, which may carry pathogens. Surveillance systems and reporting mechanisms are used by retailers and suppliers to identify suspect products and remove them from sale. Public health authorities and consumer protection bodies urge vigilance in reporting unusual tastes, odors, broken seals, or damaged packaging.
(Rh)
