18 February 2013
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (February 18) investigating a suspected imported food poisoning case involving 11 persons and hence reminded members of the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The cluster involved two men and nine women, aged between 13 and 64, who developed vomiting, malaise, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fever and dizziness about three to 11 hours after having lunch at a restaurant in Qingyuan, Guangdong, on February 15.
Three of them sought private medical attention and the remaining eight attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital. No hospitalisation was required. All of them are currently in stable condition.
The CHP's 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:
* 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.