The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 16) investigating a suspected food poisoning outbreak affecting members from two tour groups, and hence urged the public to maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
 
     So far, the CHP reached 27 members and identified 21 affected, 10 men and 11 women aged from six to 59, who developed diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting and fever about five to 43 hours after having dinner buffet in a hotel in Huizhou, Guangdong, on August 13 arranged by a travel agent.
 
     Among them, 18 sought medical attention but none required hospitalisation. All affected persons are now 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/Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Issued at HKT 21:05

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