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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating four reports of suspected food poisoning involving 10 people who felt sick after consuming take-away roasted meat yesterday (September 25).
The affected persons comprised six males and four females aged from 11 to 76 years old. They developed abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting and fever about seven to 16 hours after consuming roasted meat last night. It was reported that the food was bought from a roasted meat shop in Western District.
Six of them went to the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Mary Hospital for medical treatment. None of them required hospitalisation.
CHP's initial investigations showed that bacteria could be the likely cause for the outbreak. Further investigation is 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:
* Do not consume food that has been discoloured or tastes abnormal;
* Consume the take-away food as soon as possible;
* Do not keep it under room temperature for more than two hours;
* Reheat the food thoroughly before consumption; and
* Wash hands thoroughly before eating and after going to the toilet.
Members of the trade are reminded to:
* Obtain raw materials from reliable sources;
* Clean and cook food thoroughly before serving;
* Keep raw and cooked foods separately to reduce the risk of cross-contamination;
* Cold dishes should be kept at 4℃ or below and hot-served foods, at 60℃ 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/Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Issued at HKT 21:15
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