The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (October 25) investigating a suspected food poisoning cluster affecting 18 persons, and reminded the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.

     The cluster involved eight males and 10 females, aged 30 to 63, who developed abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fever, nausea and vomiting, about 15 hours after having dinner at a restaurant in Cheung Chau on October 22.

     Six of the affected persons sought medical advice and none required hospitalisation. All of them are in stable condition.

     To prevent food-borne diseases, members of the public are reminded to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times. When dining out:
 

• Patronise only reliable and licensed restaurants;
• 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 utensils to handle raw and cooked food;
• 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/Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Issued at HKT 18:15

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