Press Release

CHP investigates a case reported by Hospital Authority

25 February 2015

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (February 25) investigating a report from the Hospital Authority involving a 47-year-old woman and a nine-year-old girl who had reportedly consumed a prepacked fruit juice.

Initial investigation revealed that the two affected persons bought a prepacked fruit juice from a kiosk in Central on February 18. They consumed the drink and they both took a mouthful and spit out immediately as the drink taste like alcohol. They reported progressive sore throat and burning sensation over throat after ingestion. They attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tseung Kwan O Hospital on the same day and were subsequently admitted for observation. The woman was discharged the next day while the girl was discharged on February 20.

Preliminary laboratory tests conducted by the Toxicology Reference Laboratory of the Hospital Authority on the remnant of the fruit juice showed the presence of ethanol.

CHP will investigate the case in collaboration with the Police and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to determine the cause of the incident. So far, there are no other similar reports associated with the prepacked fruit juice.