Press Release

Food poisoning case under CHP investigation

23 February 2015

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (February 23) investigating a food poisoning case affecting 10 persons and hence reminded the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.

The case involved 10 females aged from 55 to 60 who developed diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fever about 24 to 36 hours after having lunch at a food premises in Wan Chai on February 11.

Nine sought medical attention and three required hospitalisation. All affected persons are now in a stable condition.

Laboratory tests revealed that Group D Salmonella were found in stool specimens of the three hospitalised cases. Investigations are proceeding.

To prevent food-borne diseases, 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.