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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 24) is notified of a suspected outbreak of food poisoning involving 38 staff of a hospital who consumed food at a party, brought in by a caterer.
As of today, out of 212 staff contacted by CHP, about 38 developed diarrhea and abdominal pain after consuming food at the party yesterday.
All the affected staff are in stable condition. None of them required hospitalisation.
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, particularly crustacean and bivalve seafood such as shrimp, crab, oysters and clams;
* Keep raw and cooked foods separately to reduce the risk of cross-contamination;
* Cold dishes should be kept at 4 degree Celsius or below and hot-served foods, at 60 degree Celsius 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/Thursday, January 24, 2008
Issued at HKT 21:39
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