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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 20) investigating a suspected food poisoning case affecting six persons who consumed fresh Jin zhen purchased from a fresh market in Tung Chung.
The case involved two males and four females aged from 8 to 57. They developed vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and dizziness about one to seven hours after consuming fresh Jin Zhen at home for dinner on July 17. Four sought medical attention and required hospitalisation. They have already been discharged.
All affected persons are now in stable condition. Investigations are proceeding.
"A natural toxin known as colchicine is concentrated in the root and the floral part of fresh Jin Zhen. Poisoning may be result from consumption of fresh Jin Zhen which has not been soaked well in water and cooked thoroughly. Symptoms of poisoning may include gastrointestinal discomfort, such as abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. However, colchicine in Jin Zhen is destroyed during cooking and processing and therefore commercially processed Jin Zhen and Jin Zhen in the dried form are non-toxic," a spokesman of CHP explained.
"If fresh Jin Zhen is used in a food recipe, soak it well in water before cooking and cook it thoroughly," the spokesman urged.
Ends/Monday, July 20, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:53
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