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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a report of suspected food poisoning involving 11 people.
The affected, two men and nine women aged 17 to 45, developed abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting about 2.5 to 20.5 hours after having a tea buffet in a restaurant in Kowloon Tong on January 18.
Seven of them sought medical attention from the Accident and Emergency Departments of the Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital and Tuen Mun Hospital. Their symptoms were generally mild. None required hospitalisation.
CHP's initial investigations showed that bacterial contamination could be the likely cause for the outbreak. Further investigations are in progress.
CHP reminded members of the public, especially food handlers, to observe good personal and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases. They are advised to take the following measures:
* Clean and cook food thoroughly before consumption, particularly crustaceans and bivalve seafood such as shrimp, crab, oysters and clams;
* Wash hands before eating and after going to toilet;
* Handle raw and cooked food with separate utensils to prevent cross-contamination;
* Keep raw and cooked food separately;
* Store food in refrigerator (at 4 degree Celsius or below) and adequately reheat leftover food before consumption; and
* Keep the environment clean.
Ends/Friday, January 20, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:20
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