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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating today (January 26) a case of suspected food poisoning involving 18 people who felt sick after having lunch in a restaurant in Sai Kung.
The affected are three men and 15 women aged from 23 to 66. They developed abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever about 7.5 to 75.5 hours after taking the lunch on January 23.
Eight of them consulted private doctors or attended government out-patient clinics. All are in a stable condition. None required hospitalisation.
The 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 crustacean and bivalve seafood such as shrimp, crab, oysters and clams;
* Keep raw and cooked foods separately to reduce the risk of cross-contamination;
* Keep cold dishes at 4 degrees Celsius or below and hot-served foods at 60 degrees Celsius or above over warming devices;
* Do not leave food at room temperature for more than two hours; and
* Observe good personal and environmental hygiene.
Ends/Friday, January 26, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:46
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