17 Jun 2010
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 17) reminded people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The appeal was made following CHP's investigation into a suspected food poisoning case affecting 12 people.
The affected people, comprising nine men and three women aged between 21 and 40, developed gastroenteritis symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and fever about two to 21 hours after having lunch boxes purchased from a food premises in Yuen Long on June 16.
Nine of them sought medical attention. One of them has been admitted to Pok Oi Hospital. All are in stable condition.
CHP reminded the public that when dining out, they should:
* Patronise only reputable and licensed restaurants;
* Do not patronise illegal food hawkers;
* Cook food thoroughly;
* Avoid eating raw seafood;
* Be a discerning consumer in choosing cold dishes, including sashimi and raw oysters in a buffet;
* Drink boiled water;
* Use two sets of chopsticks and eating utensils to handle raw and cooked food;
* Do not try to use salt, vinegar, wine and wasabi to kill bacteria as they are not effective;
* Always wash hands before eating and after going to toilet.