The seven-day crackdown, starting today until 26, is aimed at banning the smuggling and production of unusual delicacies, such as field mice, mountain mice, civets and pangolins.

Cantonese have a famed reputation for a strong obsessment with rare delicacies including snakes, mice and civets. Civets are widely believed to be behind the mass outbreak of SARS in 2003.

The bureau will take heed of hotels, restaurants and eateries in an effort to stamp out the illegal business which poses a grave threat to public health.

Serving wide animals without operation licenses will be severely punished and those who violate Measures on Investigating, Punishing and Stamping out Operation without Business License will be likely to put on trial.