Press Release

Suspected food poisoning case under CHP investigation

13 June 2014

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 13) investigating a suspected food poisoning outbreak and reminded the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.

Based on information from school management, more than 50 students and staff members have reported symptoms of acute gastroenteritis since yesterday (June 12). So far, the CHP has reached parents of 18 students and 16 cases were identified, which involved six males and 10 females aged between 6 and 11. They developed vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain after having lunch in school yesterday.

Among the cases, nine students sought medical attention from private doctors and clinics. Another girl aged 9 was admitted to Caritas Medical Centre for management. All affected cases are in stable condition. The investigation is continuing.

To prevent food-borne diseases, schools and institutions are advised to:

• Choose and monitor food suppliers carefully; and
• Hot foods should be kept at above 60 degrees Celsius while cold foods should be kept at 4 degrees Celsius or below.

Members of the public are reminded to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times. When dining out:

• Eat thoroughly cooked food;
• Avoid eating raw seafood;
• Be a discerning consumer in choosing cold dishes, including sashimi, sushi and raw oysters, at a buffet;
• Patronise only reliable and licensed restaurants;
• Do not patronise illegal food hawkers;
• 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.