Press Release

Suspected food poisoning case

May 21, 1999

In response to press enquiries, the Department of Health confirmed that report of a suspected clenbuterol food poisoning case was received by the Department today (Friday).

The case involved two patients, one female aged 48 and one male aged 17. Both developed hand tremor and palpitation after consumption of pig liver soup. The two patients were treated and discharged from the United Christian Hospital.

A spokesman for the Department of Health noted that the current case is the second isolated report of clenbuterol food poisoning this year.

He said that there is an established system for screening of pork and pig viscerae for Beta-agonist and tracing of source and distribution of problematic pigs.

"At this stage, there is no cause for undue alarm in the consumption of pork, pig kidney, liver and lung. However, the public is reminded to take a balanced diet."

Government would continue to investigate the case, monitor the development of this issue and advise the public accordingly, the spokesman added.