The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 3) investigating two epidemiologically linked food poisoning clusters affecting a total of seven persons. The CHP reminded the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent foodborne diseases.
 
     The two clusters involve one male and six females, aged between 21 and 67. They developed diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting and fever approximately 13 to 44 hours after having a buffet at The Astor, B1/F, Eaton Hong Kong, 380 Nathan Road, Yau Ma Tei on August 29 and 30 respectively. Four of the affected persons sought medical advice but did not require hospitalisation. They are currently in stable condition.
 
     Officers of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (including personnel of the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) and the Environmental Hygiene Branch) and the CHP conducted a joint investigation, and examined the food handling processes and hygiene at the restaurant. Environmental samples were also collected for testing. The CFS immediately instructed the restaurant to suspend serving the incriminated food items, and to carry out cleaning and disinfection of the premises. The officers have also provided health education related to food safety and environmental hygiene to the staff of the premises.

     The investigation of the CHP and the CFS is ongoing.

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

• Avoid eating raw seafood;
• Be a discerning consumer in choosing cold dishes, including sashimi, sushi and raw oysters at a buffet;
• Choose pasteurised eggs, egg products or dried egg powder for dishes that often use undercooked eggs;
• Patronise only reliable and licensed restaurants;
• 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;
• Avoid patronising illegal food hawkers;
• Drink boiled water;
• Susceptible populations, including those with weakened immunity, the elderly, pregnant women and young children, are at a higher risk of foodborne diseases, so they should not consume raw or undercooked foods;
• Refrain from trying 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/Thursday, September 3, 2026
Issued at HKT 20:45

NNNN