12 Aug 2009
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 12) investigating a suspected food poisoning outbreak involving 10 people.
The affected people, two men and eight women aged between 28 and 35, developed abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever 10 to 63 hours after having a buffet dinner in a hotel in Kowloon on August 9.
Five of them sought medical treatment. No hospitalisation was required.
Investigations are ongoing.
CHP reminded people, especially food handlers, to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
People are advised to take the following measures:
* Do not consume food that has been discoloured or tastes abnormal; and
* Wash hands thoroughly before eating and after going to the toilet.
Members of the food trade are reminded to:
* Obtain raw materials from reliable sources;
* Clean and cook food thoroughly before serving to customers, particularly crustacean and bivalve seafood such as shrimp, crab, oysters and clams;
* Keep raw and cooked foods separately to reduce the risk of cross-contamination;
* Cold dishes should be kept at 4 degrees Celsius or below and hot-served foods, at 60 degrees Celsius or above over warming devices;
* Food should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours; and
* Observe good personal and environmental hygiene.