**************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (July 24) reminded members of the public 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 affecting 13 people who felt ill after having meals in a food premises in Mong Kok.
The affected are seven men and six women aged between nine and 44. They developed gastroenteritis symptoms including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea about six to 24 hours after having food in the premises on July 20.
Ten of them consulted private doctors or attended the Accident and Emergency Department of public hospitals. Two others were admitted to hospital and are in stable condition.
Further investigation is in progress.
When dining out, members of the public 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 the toilet.
Ends/Thursday, July 24, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:20
NNNN