11 Feb 2010
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (February 11) investigating a suspected food poisoning case involving 10 people and reminds members of the public to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The affected group, a man and nine women aged from 25 to 44, developed gastroenteritis symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhoea, about four to 44 hours after having buffet dinner at a hotel on February 4.
Two of them consulted private doctors and required no hospitalisation. 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.