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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (November 22) investigating a case of suspected food poisoning involving nine people who felt sick after having dinner in a club in Happy Valley.
The case involved three men and six women aged from 24 and 46. They developed diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting and fever 14 to 74 hours after having the dinner on November 18.
One of them attended the Accident and Emergency Department (AED) of Queen Elizabeth Hospital while three others consulted private doctors. All are in stable condition.
CHP reminded the public, especially food handlers, to observe good personal and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
People are advised to take the following measures:
* Do not consume food that has been discoloured or tastes abnormal; and
* Wash hands thoroughly before eating and after going to the toilet.
Members of the trade are reminded to:
* Obtain raw materials from reputable and approved sources;
* Clean and cook food thoroughly before consumption, particularly crustacean and bivalve seafood such as shrimp, crab, oysters and clams;
* Keep raw and cooked foods separately to reduce the risk of cross-contamination;
* Cold dishes should be kept at 4 degree Celsius or below and hot-served foods, at 60 degree Celsius or above over warming devices;
* Food should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours; and
* Observe good personal and environmental hygiene.
Ends/Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Issued at HKT 20:01
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