The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 31) investigating a suspected food poisoning cluster affecting 12 persons, and reminded the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent foodborne diseases.

     The cluster involved eight males and four females, aged 20 to 60, who developed abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, generalised weakness, headache and palpitation, about 30 to 63 hours after having lunch at a restaurant in Siu Sai Wan on January 26.

     Three of the affected persons sought medical advice and none required hospitalisation. All affected persons are in stable condition.

     To prevent foodborne diseases, members of the public are reminded to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times. When dining out:
 

• Patronise only reliable and licensed restaurants;
• Avoid eating raw seafood;
• Be a discerning consumer in choosing cold dishes, including sashimi, sushi and raw oysters, at a buffet;
• Ensure food is thoroughly cooked before eating during a hotpot or barbecue meal;
• Handle raw and cooked foods carefully and separate them completely during the cooking process;
• Use two sets of chopsticks and utensils to handle raw and cooked foods;
• Do not patronise illegal food hawkers;
• Drink boiled water;
• Do not try to use salt, vinegar, wine or wasabi to kill bacteria as they are not effective; and
• Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet. 

Ends/Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Issued at HKT 19:45

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