CHP investigates suspected food poisoning outbreak in tour group
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The case involved 21 members of the tour group, comprising seven men and 14 women aged 10 to 68, who developed diarrhoea, abdominal pain and vomiting about eight to 59 hours after having lunch at a food premises in Zhongshan, Guangdong, on February 19 arranged by a travel agent.
Among them, 11 sought medical attention but none required hospitalisation. All affected persons are in stable condition.
"The CHP's investigations are ongoing. We will maintain liaison with the travel agent concerned, and have informed the Guangdong health authority of this food incident," a spokesman for the CHP said.
To prevent food-borne diseases, members of the public are reminded to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times. When dining out:
- 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 hot pot or barbecue meal;
- Handle raw and cooked foods carefully and separate them completely during the cooking process;
- Use two sets of chopsticks and eating utensils to handle raw and cooked food;
- Patronise only reliable and licensed restaurants;
- Do not patronise illegal food hawkers;
- Drink boiled water;
- Do not try to use salt, vinegar, wine and wasabi to kill bacteria as they are not effective; and
- Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet.
Ends/Thursday, February 22, 2018
Issued at HKT 17:40
Issued at HKT 17:40
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