CHP investigating two cases of suspected food poisoning

24 Sep 2008

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 24) reminded people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases after receiving reports of two suspected food poisoning cases involving a total of 21 persons.

The first case involved two groups of 11 women aged between 15 and 30. They developed gastroenteritis symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fever about 11 to 36 hours after having dinner at a restaurant in Yuen Long on September 20 and 21 respectively.

Four of them sought medical treatment from private doctors while another one attended Accident & Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital. All are in stable condition and did not require hospitalization.

In the second case, the affected comprised one man and nine women aged between 26 and 37. They developed gastroenteritis symptoms, including diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fever about four to 26 hours after having food provided by the canteen at a private venue in Aberdeen on September 13 night.

They did not seek medical attention. All have recovered and are in stable condition.

CHP will continue to follow up the case.

Members of the public are reminded to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent food-borne diseases. When dining out:

* Patronise only reputable and licensed restaurants;
* Do not patronise illegal food hawkers;
* Cook food thoroughly;
* Avoid eating raw seafood;
* Be a discerning consumer in choosing cold dishes, including sashimi, sushi and raw oysters in a buffet;
* Drink boiled water;
* Use two sets of chopsticks and eating utensils to handle raw and cooked food;
* Do not try to use salt, vinegar, wine and wasabi to kill bacteria as they are not effective;
* Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet.