3 Dec 2009
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (December 3) investigating a suspected food poisoning case involving 23 people and reminds members of the public to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The affected group, 21 males and two females aged from 14 to 20, developed gastroenteritis symptoms, including diarrhea and abdominal pain, about five to 31 hours after having lunch at school on December 1. All the affected are in stable condition. Investigation continues.
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:
* 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.