Footage of people smoking bacon and sausages in Chongqing, China despite an official ban on the activity.

Local residents can be seen smoking meat products over fires ahead of Chinese New Year celebrations on Thursday 19, February.

According to local news reports, authorities in Chongqing joined forces on Tuesday 20, January to stop the production of traditional smoked food in the city - because it contributes to air pollution and, they claim, played a part in the recent spike in PM2.5 readings.

Despite this ban, many residents have continued the long-lasting tradition of enjoying smoked meat dishes with their families during the winter period, in celebration of the most important annual festival in China.

Footage of people smoking bacon and sausages in Chongqing, China despite an official ban on the activity.

Local residents can be seen smoking meat products over fires ahead of Chinese New Year celebrations on Thursday 19, February.

According to local news reports, authorities in Chongqing joined forces on Tuesday 20, January to stop the production of traditional smoked food in the city - because it contributes to air pollution and, they claim, played a part in the recent spike in PM2.5 readings.

Despite this ban, many residents have continued the long-lasting tradition of enjoying smoked meat dishes with their families during the winter period, in celebration of the most important annual festival in China.