July 21, 2000
The Department of Health (DH) today (July 21) reminded members of the public to cook food thoroughly and not to consume unpasteurized milk to prevent food-borne diseases.
The advice was given following the confirmation by DH of the first local case of E. coli 0157:H7 involving an eight-month-old baby boy in Kowloon. He had recovered completely from his infection.
The Consultant (Community Medicine) of DH, Dr Tse Lai-yin said that E. coli 0157:H7 was a strain of bacteria usually found in intestines of animals such as cattle. Infection due to the bacteria can be associated with eating undercooked beef -- particularly minced beef.
Dr Tse said: "However, the 0157:H7 strain can be killed at a cooking temperature of around 75 degrees Celsius for two to three minutes.
"Members of the public are advised to cook food thoroughly and not to consume unpasteurized milk. The core temperature of food should reach 75 degrees Celsius for two to three minutes, or until all pink is gone from the interior and the juices are clear.
"Moreover, the public should observe good personal and environmental hygiene. They are advised to wash hands thoroughly particularly before handling food and after changing diapers for their babies."
The baby boy who developed fever, running nose and diarrhoea, was admitted to hospital on July 9 and was discharged three days later. He had been fed minced beef congee earlier. The beef was undercooked and was likely to be the source of infection.
DH gave health education to the family members who were asymptomatic.
The Food and Environmental Health Department had promptly inspected the fresh provision shop in Kowloon where the beef was bought. Food samples and environmental swabs were collected and the shop disinfected.
The Department regularly carries out food surveillance programme of food items including the testing of E. coli 0157:H7. All milk on sale in Hong Kong are pasteurized and are safe for consumption.