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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has reminded public market stall tenants and holders of various hawker stall and premises licences issued by the department to take effective precautionary measures to prevent human swine influenza.
In view of a confirmed case of human swine influenza in Hong Kong, the emergency response level under the Government's Preparedness Plan for Influenza Pandemic was activated on May 1. The FEHD has issued letters to public market stall tenants, and licensees of food and non-food premises, fixed pitch hawker stalls and cooked food stalls to heighten their awareness and advise them to keep their premises clean to prevent influenza.
To prevent the spread of viruses and protect the health of staff and customers, market stall tenants, fixed pitch hawkers and cooked food hawkers are advised to keep their stalls and surroundings clean. Frequently used equipment and utensils should be cleaned daily and disinfected with diluted household bleach. Refuse should be properly disposed of after close of business daily. All items outside the stalls should be removed to facilitate thorough cleansing of public places.
Licensees of food premises and non-food premises, such as cinemas and entertainment machine centres, are advised to step up cleansing, inspection and maintenance of ventilating systems in their premises and keep them in operation during business hours. They should also enhance cleaning and disinfection of toilets, walls, floors, utensils, tables, chairs and other equipment. Liquid soap, towels and hand-dryers should be provided in toilets.
For food premises, tableware and towels must be thoroughly washed and sterilised before they are provided to customers. Food, beverages and tableware must be stored and covered properly to ensure they are clean and hygienic. Do not prepare or store food in open spaces. The surroundings of the premises, including pavement and rear lanes, should also be kept clean.
Licensees should also ensure that their staff strictly observe the precautionary measures and maintain environmental hygiene. Health advice on prevention of human swine influenza was enclosed in the letter to remind staff to keep their hands clean, wash hands frequently and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth to prevent the spread of the virus.
Ends/Thursday, May 7, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:01
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