Press Release

Suspected food poisoning case under investigation

10 Jan 2012

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is today (January 10) investigating a suspected food poisoning outbreak involving 19 people and reminded the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.

The case involved 10 males and nine females, aged between one and 53. They developed abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever about three to 59 hours after having dinner at a restaurant in Fanling on January 7.

Eleven of them sought medical consultation and one required hospitalisation. All those affected are in a stable condition.

The investigation continues.

People are reminded to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent food-borne diseases. 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.