The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (February 1) investigating two suspected food poisoning clusters affecting five persons, and reminded the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent foodborne diseases.

     The first cluster involved one male and two females, aged 19 to 50, who developed abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea about 30 hours after having dinner at a restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui on January 24.

     The other cluster involved one male and one female, aged 31 and 29 respectively, who developed similar symptoms about 34 hours after having dinner at the same restaurant on January 25.

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

     To prevent foodborne 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 hotpot 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 foods;
• Do not patronise illegal food hawkers;
• Drink boiled water;
• Do not try to use salt, vinegar, wine or wasabi to kill bacteria as they are not effective; and
• Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet. 

Ends/Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Issued at HKT 17:45

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