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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 4) reminded people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The appeal was made following CHP's investigation into five suspected food poisoning cases involving a restaurant in Kwai Fong, affecting a total of 11 people.
The affected, one man and 10 women aged between 16 and 51, developed gastroenteritis symptoms including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever about seven to 19 hours after having meals at the restaurant on July 31. All of them sought medical attention. A 24-year-old woman was admitted to a private hospital in Kowloon on August 1. She is in stable condition.
Further investigation is in progress.
When dining out, people 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 toilet.
Ends/Monday, August 4, 2008
Issued at HKT 21:38
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