CHP investigates food poisoning cluster
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (December 10) investigating a food poisoning cluster affecting 31 persons. The CHP reminded the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent foodborne diseases.
The affected individuals, including 20 males and 11 females aged between two and 75, attended a Chinese wedding banquet at the Grand Ballroom of the New World Millennium Hong Kong Hotel, located at 72 Mody Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, on December 6. They developed abdominal pain and diarrhoea about two to 27 hours after dining.
One affected person sought medical advice.None of the affected individuals required hospitalisation and they are currently in stable condition.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the affected persons consumed several common food items at the aforementioned premises, including suckling pigs. Officers of the CHP and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, including personnel of the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) and the Environmental Hygiene Branch, conducted an investigation at the hotel. They inspected the food handling process and food hygiene. The CFS' field investigation revealed that the suckling pigs were prepared too early in advance, and may have been cross contaminated by raw food during storage. The suckling pigs were not thoroughly reheated either. The CFS instructed the hotel concerned to immediately stop serving the incriminated food items, clean and disinfect the premises, and provide food safety and environmental hygiene education to the staff. Food and environmental samples were collected for testing.
The investigation of the CHP and 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.
Source: AI-found images
Steering Committee on the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po convenes first meeting
The Steering Committee on the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po convened its first meeting today (December 10). The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing.
The Committee noted the management arrangements for the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, as well as the latest progress of the support measures provided to residents and other affected persons as previously agreed. The Committee also agreed to launch a new special grant under the Fund to provide $100,000 to each of the flat owners of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.
Mr Cheuk said, "Since its establishment, the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po has implemented various support measures to assist residents in addressing their urgent needs and rebuilding their lives, providing long-term and sustained support. The new flat owner grant will provide immediate assistance to owners of the affected flats, including those who rented out their properties."
The Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po was established on November 27, 2025, pursuant to the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Incorporation Ordinance (Cap. 1044). Donations received so far amount to about $3.1 billion. With the start-up capital of $300 million from the Government, the fund's total has now reached around $3.4 billion. The Fund's accounts will be submitted to the Director of Audit for audit pursuant to the requirements stipulated in the Ordinance. The Fund's report will also be tabled to the Legislative Council.
The Steering Committee on the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, convened by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, is responsible for advising on matters such as the operation of the Fund, as well as supervising and monitoring the establishment and implementation of support measures under the Fund. The terms of reference of the Committee are:
To advise on the overall strategy, operation and procedures of the Support Fund;
To advise on the management and allocation of the Support Fund;
To oversee the usage of the Support Fund and the implementation progress of the support measures; and
To advise on other matters relating to the Support Fund.
The Committee comprises:
Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration (Convenor)
Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs
Secretary for Labour and Welfare
Secretary for Education
Secretary for Housing
Secretary for Health
Director of Information Services
Director of Social Welfare
Director of Home Affairs
Donations made to the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po are regarded as approved charitable donations made to the Government for charitable purposes. Donors can claim and be allowed tax deductions of such donations during the relevant year of assessment. To facilitate members of the public, donations made to the Fund through bank transfer with an amount of $50,000 or below will be eligible for tax deductions without the requirement of official receipts. Donors are required to retain the relevant donation receipts for verification. The detailed arrangements will be announced on the Government's thematic website on Support Services for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po (www.taipofire.gov.hk/eng/fund.html) on Monday (December 15).
Steering Committee on the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po convenes first meeting Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
