15 Feb 2012
The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is today (February 15) investigating a suspected food poisoning outbreak involving 50 persons and reminded people to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The case involved 50 pupils comprising 28 male and 22 female aged between 7 and 12. They developed abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting and nausea about 1 to 20 hours after having lunch in a primary school in Tuen Mun on February 14.
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.