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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 11) reminded people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The appeal was made following CHP's investigation into three suspected food poisoning cases. A total of 16 people - 11 men and five women aged from 28 to 80 - felt ill after consuming meals in a Sheung Wan restaurant.
In the first case, three men developed gastroenteritis symptoms including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever about 14 to 16 hours after having lunch in the restaurant on August 7.
The second case affected five men and three women who developed gastroenteritis symptoms about four to 20 hours after having dinner at the restaurant on August 7.
In the last case, three men and two women developed similar symptoms about eight to 13 hours after having lunch in the same restaurant on August 10. Eight of the affected sought medical attention from private doctors while three attended the Accident and Emergency Department of public hospitals. None required hospitalisation.
Further investigation by CHP 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 11, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:45
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