Food Poisoning Investigation Launched After 12 Affected in Causeway Bay Cluster

CHP investigates two epidemiologically linked food poisoning clusters

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 30) investigating two epidemiologically linked food poisoning clusters affecting a total of 12 persons. The CHP reminded the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent foodborne diseases.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP), Photo source: news.gov.hk

The clusters involved one male and 11 females aged between 25 and 59. They developed diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting and fever about 14 to 51 hours after having dinner at Harvest House, 2/F, Aura On Pennington, 66 Jardine's Bazaar, Causeway Bay, on January 26.

The five affected persons sought medical advice, and one of them required hospitalisation.All of the affected individuals are currently in stable condition.

A preliminary investigation revealed that raw oysters and sashimi were the food items that all of the affected individuals had in common. 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 a joint investigation at the restaurant. They examined the handling processes and food hygiene and collected food and environmental samples for testing. The CFS's field investigation revealed that the food concerned has a risk of cross-contamination in the handling process. The CFS immediately instructed the premises concerned to suspend serving the incriminated food items with immediate effect 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 raw oysters, Photo source: reference image

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.

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected scheduled dried shark fins worth about $280,000

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (April 2) seized about 162 kilograms of suspected scheduled dried shark fins, with an estimated market value of about $280,000, at Hong Kong International Airport.

Through risk assessment, Customs officers yesterday inspected an air consignment, arriving from Panama and declared as carrying dry fish maw. Upon inspection, Customs officers found six carton boxes of suspected scheduled dried shark fins, with a total weight of about 162kg, inside the consignment.

The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.

Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years.

Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected scheduled dried shark fins worth about $280,000 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases