16 Sep 2010
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has reminded people to maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The appeal followed CHP's investigation into a suspected food poisoning case affecting a total of 12 people in two groups.
The first group, comprising two men and one woman aged between 28 and 32, developed gastroenteritis symptoms including abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea about 14 to 24 hours after having dinner at a restaurant in Sha Tin on September 12.
All of them sought medical attention and one was hospitalised. All are in stable condition.
The second group comprised three men and six women aged between 44 and 71. They developed similar gastroenteritis symptoms about three to 25 hours after having dinner at the same restaurant on September 13. Eight of them sought medical attention and three of them were hospitalised. All are in stable condition.
The investigation continues.
CHP reminded the public that when dining out, they should:
* 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 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 toilet.