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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (July 17) reminded people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The appeal was made following CHP's investigation into four suspected food poisoning cases involving a restaurant in Sha Tin, affecting a total of 10 people.
Six men and four women aged between seven and 43, developed gastroenteritis symptoms including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea about 8.5 to 28 hours after having a meal at the restaurant on July 15 and 16.
One of the affected attended a private hospital for treatment while six others sought medical treatment at Accident and Emergency Departments or general out-patient clinics of public hospitals. Among them, one girl was admitted to the Prince of Wales Hospital in stable condition.
Further investigation is in progress.
When eating out, people should:
* Patronise only reputable and licensed restaurants;
* Do not patronise illegal food hawkers;
* Cook food thoroughly;
* Avoid eating raw seafood;
* Be a discerning consumer in choosing cold dishes, including sashimi and raw oysters in a buffet;
* Drink boiled water;
* Use two sets of chopsticks and eating utensils to handle raw and cooked food;
* Do not try to use salt, vinegar, wine and wasabi to kill bacteria as they are not effective;
* Always wash hands before eating and after going to toilet.
Ends/Thursday, July 17, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:20
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