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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating today (January 23) a case of suspected food poisoning involving nine people who felt sick after dining in a club in Happy Valley.
The case involved six men and three women aged from 27 to 46. They developed diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting and fever 18 to 45 hours after dinner on January 19.
Eight of them consulted private doctors. All are in a stable condition.
CHP reminded members of the public, especially food handlers, to observe good personal and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
Members of the public are advised to take the following measures:
* Do not consume food that is 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 crustaceans 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 degrees Celsius or below and hot-served foods, at 60 degrees 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/Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:27
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