Hong Kong’s communications authority has issued a stern warning to TVB after a licensed physician on a health program declared that humans require zero dietary fibre and can thrive on meat alone—triggering formal complaints and a rare rebuke from the Department of Health.
The controversy erupted following the March 9 broadcast of “Things Even Moms Don’t Know About Medicine” (《醫啲阿媽都唔知》) on TVB Plus, aired from 9:30 to 10 PM. Hosted by Luk Wing and Wong Ka-man, the episode featured registered Dr. Chau Chung-kei as a guest speaker. Without presenting scientific evidence or adequate context, Dr. Chau explicitly stated that “humans have a zero minimum requirement for fibre” and asserted that a meat-exclusive diet could sustain lifelong health.
What Was Said on Air
During the segment, Dr. Chau declared: “Humans’ minimum requirement for fibre is zero… I’m not saying eating vegetables is harmful, but we simply do not need them. If you understand that humans are carnivorous animals, it means we can eat only meat, live on meat alone, and remain healthy long-term. We can live forever without dietary fibre and be perfectly healthy.”
The remarks prompted ten complaints to the Communications Authority, which launched an investigation.
Regulator’s Findings: Misleading and Incomplete
After reviewing the case, the Communications Authority consulted the Department of Health, which found the doctor’s recommendations lacked scientific backing and deviated from official dietary guidelines. The department noted that the advice was “incomplete” and could confuse the public regarding fibre and water intake recommendations.
TVB defended its content, claiming it had made “all reasonable efforts” to ensure accuracy and that Dr. Chau had provided medical references supporting his views. The broadcaster argued the doctor’s statements were presented as personal opinion, not public health guidance.
However, the Communications Authority ruled that the program, explicitly positioned as “clarifying misconceptions and presenting true health facts,” must adhere to accuracy standards. A disclaimer at the end of the episode did not exempt TVB from this obligation.
The Science Behind the Controversy
The Department of Health highlighted that Dr. Chau’s claims appeared to stem from his own research on Pleistocene-era hunter-gatherers and Arctic populations with meat-heavy diets. Yet neither the host nor the doctor explained that these findings may relate to specific genetic adaptations unlikely to apply to modern humans.
The regulator stressed that omitting this context could mislead viewers into believing the advice applies universally—and even imply that eating vegetables causes constipation.
Hosts Criticized for Failing to Intervene
The Communications Authority also faulted the show’s hosts for not challenging the doctor’s claims. According to the ruling, the hosts could have asked whether the advice applied to everyone or only to certain health conditions. Such follow-up questions are standard in comparable health programs, yet none were posed.
“Hosts have a responsibility to ensure viewers are not misled,” the authority stated. “At minimum, they should have reminded the audience to consider their own health and consult a family doctor.”
Consequences and Broader Implications
The Communications Authority issued a strong advisory to TVB, demanding strict compliance with the Television General Code of Practice – Programme Standards. The regulator also instructed the broadcaster to address the inaccurate, incomplete, and potentially misleading content in the offending episode.
The program remains available on YouTube, raising questions about the reach and lasting impact of the misinformation.
What This Means for Viewers
This case underscores the critical importance of evidence-based health communication in media. For the public, it serves as a reminder:
- Always verify health claims with reputable sources such as the Department of Health or qualified dietitians.
- Be skeptical of sweeping statements that contradict established nutritional science.
- Dietary fibre is widely recognized by health authorities globally as essential for digestive health, reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
- Consult a healthcare professional before making drastic dietary changes.
Looking Ahead
The ruling marks a significant moment for broadcast accountability in Hong Kong. As streaming platforms blur the lines between entertainment and education, regulators are increasingly expected to hold producers responsible for the accuracy of health content. TVB has not announced whether it will appeal or implement new editorial safeguards.
For now, the message is clear: even licensed experts must ground their claims in science—and broadcasters must ensure they do.