The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (October 6) investigating a suspected case of mad honey poisoning, and reminded the public to buy honey from a reliable source or apiary.
     
     A 38-year-old male developed dizziness, nausea and generalised weakness around two hours after consuming honey yesterday (October 5). He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital on the same day and was hospitalised for observation due to bradycardia. The patient is now in stable condition. His clinical diagnosis was suspected mad honey poisoning.

     A preliminary investigation revealed that the honey in question was produced in Nepal. The poisoning might have been caused by grayanotoxin. The CHP's investigation is ongoing.

     Mad honey poisoning is caused by ingestion of honey containing grayanotoxins derived from plants belonging to the Ericaceae family, including rhododendrons. Grayanotoxins are neurotoxins that can affect nerves and muscles. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, weakness, excessive perspiration, hypersalivation and paraesthesia shortly after ingestion. In severe cases, hypotension, bradycardia or shock may occur.

     Members of the public are reminded to take heed of the following preventive advice:

• Buy honey from a reliable source or apiary;
• Discard honey with a bitter or astringent taste - grayanotoxin-containing honey may cause a burning sensation in the throat; and
• Pay special attention to honey from India, Nepal and the Black Sea region of Türkiye, as honey from these areas has led to grayanotoxin poisoning cases.

Ends/Monday, October 6, 2025
Issued at HKT 17:25

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