21 Nov 2011
The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is today (November 21) investigating two suspected food poisoning outbreaks involving seven persons and reminded people to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The first cluster involved two men and two women, aged between 27 and 76. They developed abdominal pain and diarrhoea about four hours after having dinner in a restaurant in Yau Tsim Mong district on November 12. None of them sought medical consultation.
The second cluster involved two females and one male aged from 18 to 44. They developed the same symptoms about three to 10 hours after having dinner in the same restaurant on November 15. None sought medical treatment.
All the affected are in stable condition. The investigation continues.
People are reminded to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent food-borne diseases. When dining out:
* 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, sushi and raw oysters, at 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; and
* Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet.