CHP investigating a case of suspected food poisoning

26 Sep 2008

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 26) reminded people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases after receiving a report of suspected food poisoning case involving 10 persons.

The case involved four males and six females aged between two and 72. They developed gastroenteritis symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting eight to 31 hours after having dinner at a restaurant in Lei Yu Mun on September 24.

Two of them sought medical treatment from outpatient clinic of Tuen Mun Hospital while another three attended Accident & Emergency Department of public hospitals. All are in stable condition and did not require hospitalization.

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.