The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 30) investigating a case of suspected food poisoning caused by eating wild taro and reminded the public not to consume self-picked wild plants in order to avoid poisoning by accidental consumption of vegetables containing calcium oxalate raphide.

     The case involves an 81-year-old woman who developed swollen lips and a sore throat shortly after consuming wild taro at home today. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Pok Oi Hospital and was admitted for treatment. She is now in stable condition. The clinical diagnosis was suspected calcium oxalate raphide poisoning.

     Preliminary investigations revealed that the patient had cooked and consumed wild taro that she had picked from a flower bed on a footbridge near Long Ping Estate in Yuen Long. The CHP's investigation is ongoing.

     Taro is a popular ingredient used in dishes and desserts. However, some plants look like taro (e.g. giant alocasia) but contain toxins, including calcium oxalate raphide. Accidental comsumption of plants containing calcium oxalate raphide can cause stinging and irritation of the skin and mucous membranes, such as numbness and a burning sensation of the tongue, mouth and lips, and swelling of the tongue and lips. Consumption of vegetables accidentally mixed with calcium oxalate raphide-containing plants may also cause food poisoning.

     Members of the public should take heed of the following when consuming vegetables:
 

• Do not pick and consume wild plants;
• Purchase vegetables from reliable suppliers; and
• Remove any plants mixed with edible vegetables for consumption and wash them thoroughly before cooking.

     ​​The public may visit the pages on Food Poisoning Related to the Giant Alocasia and Calcium Oxalate Food Poisoning of the Centre for Food Safety of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department for more information and health advice.

Ends/Monday, June 30, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:03

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