27 Sep 2009
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a case of suspected food poisoning involving 12 people and reminded members of the public to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The affected people, six males and six females aged between 17 and 60, attended a banquet in a restaurant in Causeway Bay on September 25.
They developed abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever three to 21 hours after the banquet. Nine of them sought medical treatment. Hospitalization is not required.
Investigation is ongoing.
CHP reminded people, especially food handlers, to observe good personal 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 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℃ or below and hot-served foods, at 60℃ 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.