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CHP investigates suspected food poisoning cluster related to calcium oxalate raphide
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 19) investigating a cluster of suspected food poisoning, and hence reminded the public to beware of vegetables containing calcium oxalate raphide.
 
     The cluster affected five persons, one man and four women aged from 56 to 65, who developed burning sensation of the mouth and tongue, numbness of the tongue and swelling of lips shortly after consuming taro-like plants in a dinner on September 15 in a household in Tuen Mun.
 
     Among them, one was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital for treatment and was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit on the same day. The patient has been transferred to a general ward for management. The clinical diagnosis was suspected calcium oxalate raphide poisoning. The remaining four did not seek medical attention as symptoms subsided. All of them were in stable condition.
 
     Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the taro-like plants had been obtained from a friend from a farm.
 
     Taro is a popular ingredient used to prepare various dishes and desserts. However, some plants look like taro but contain toxins which can cause food poisoning. Those containing calcium oxalate raphide (a needle-shaped crystal of the chemical) can injure the skin and mucous membranes and cause irritation, such as numbness and burning sensation of the tongue, mouth and lips, and swelling of the tongue or lips. Consumption of vegetables accidentally mixed with calcium oxalate raphide-containing plants may also cause food poisoning.
 
     Members of the public should:
 
  • Purchase vegetables from reliable suppliers;
  • Remove any plants mixed with edible vegetables and wash them thoroughly before cooking and consumption; and
  • Do not pick and consume wild plants.
 
     The public may visit the pages on Food Poisoning Related to the Giant Alocasia and Calcium Oxalate Food Poisoning of the Centre for Food Safety of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department for more information and health advice.
 
Ends/Monday, September 19, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:25
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