Hong Kong Suspends Import and Sale of Spanish Raw Oysters Over Food Poisoning Concerns

FEHD continues to actively follow up on food poisoning cases related to consumption of raw oysters and instructs trade to suspend importing and selling of raw oysters produced by Mariscos Escacha, S.L. (processing plant) from Spain

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (February 13) instructed the trade to suspend the import and sale of raw oysters produced by Mariscos Escacha, S.L. (12.04628/PO) (processing plant) from Spain. The trade should stop using or selling the affected product immediately should they possess it.

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS), Photo source: reference image

The aforesaid instruction by the CFS was based on the follow-up investigation of recently reported food poisoning cases related to the consumption of raw oysters, which revealed involvement of the consumption of raw oysters produced by Mariscos Escacha, S.L. (12.04628/PO) (processing plant) from Spain. For the sake of prudence, the CFS has immediately instructed the trade to suspend the import into and sale within Hong Kong of raw oysters produced by Mariscos Escacha, S.L. (12.04628/PO) (processing plant) from Spain to safeguard food safety.

The CFS has informed the Spanish authorities of the matter and will notify the local trade. It will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action.

From February 1 to 12 this year, the CFS received 37 food poisoning cases related to the consumption of raw oysters. Officers from the CFS and the Environmental Hygiene Branch of the FEHD immediately conducted investigations at the restaurants involved in the cases, reviewing their food handling procedures and tracing the sources of the oysters.

The CFS's investigations revealed that 13 cases involved the consumption of raw oysters supplied by Seojun Mulsan Co., Ltd. of Korea. For the sake of prudence, the CFS instructed the trade on February 5 to stop the import and sale in Hong Kong of raw oysters supplied by this company.

In addition, the CFS found that 15 cases involved the consumption of raw oysters supplied by the food factory Jeton International Foods and 88 Investment Holdings Limited. The CFS has immediately instructed the company to suspend the sale and supply of raw oysters, and issued a press release on February 6 on its related follow-up work, requiring the trade to stop selling raw oysters supplied by the company concerned. Other cases involved the consumption of raw oysters from various countries.

In view of the recent surge in food poisoning cases related to the consumption of raw oysters, the FEHD has carried out special operations in various districts from February 6 to 12 and stepped up inspections to over 1 200 food premises selling oysters across Hong Kong, thereby safeguarding food safety and protecting public health. The focuses of the inspections included the storage temperature of raw oysters, storage conditions in designated refrigerators, the sources of supply, the personal hygiene of food handlers, the hygienic condition of the premises, verifying source documents and health certificates, and collecting samples for testing. During the inspections, the FEHD officers also provided immediate advice on food storage, handling and environmental hygiene, to ensure licensees/permittees comply with licensing conditions and statutory hygiene standards. The CFS has also stepped up the collection of raw oyster samples for testing.

The CFS reminded that as oysters feed by filtering a large volume of seawater and absorbing suspended food particles therein, bacteria (e.g. Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus) and viruses (e.g. norovirus and Hepatitis A virus) may accumulate in them if they are grown in or harvested from contaminated water. Consuming oysters without thorough cooking might risk direct intake of these microorganisms. Susceptible groups, such as pregnant women, young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems or liver diseases, should avoid eating them.

Consumers are advised to purchase or consume oysters only from food premises licensed or permitted by the FEHD. The trade and food handlers should understand the importance of adhering to good personal hygiene and proper food handling, and provide regular training on hygiene practices and norovirus-related risks. Hands should be thoroughly washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food. Separate utensils and cutting boards should be used for raw and ready-to-eat foods, with regular cleaning and disinfection. Food handlers who exhibit symptoms of infection should refrain from handling food until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours.

The raw oysters, Photo source: FB

Located in Tsing Yi, Ching Fu Jolly Net is redefining community support for the elderly. Subsidised by the Social Welfare Department and operated by Po Leung Kuk, the centre will officially open in mid-March, providing tailored services for seniors and their carers.

As one of three Jolly Net facilities managed by Po Leung Kuk, the centre aims to challenge traditional stereotypes of elderly care. By offering a diverse range of modern and engaging activities, it empowers seniors to lead fulfilling lives within their own communities.

These vibrant programmes have already become a significant draw for local residents, fostering a culture of active ageing.

Before retirement, Mr Sam So (right) navigated the city’s streets as a taxi driver, and now he has found a new outlet in the world of e-sports racing games.

Virtual vistas

After undergoing surgeries on both knees, Mr Sam So could not move and spent his days at home feeling bored. By chance, he saw the Po Leung Kuk Jolly Net nearby. Since they had an e-sports class, he decided to join.

Before retirement, Mr So navigated the city’s streets as a taxi driver and possessed a strong knack for car maintenance. Now, he has found a new outlet in the world of e-sports racing games, where he often outperforms younger players. 

“Life is vibrant and colourful now. I teach my friends the techniques I have learned and we play together.

“Everyone is happy. Recently, the centre even arranged for us to compete against some teenagers from Tuen Mun.

“We were lucky enough to win the championship. My friends and I were thrilled,” he added.  

The centre's diverse programmes take a holistic approach to wellness, enhancing both the physical health and mental well-being of its members.

Among those benefiting is Ms Lucia Tam. Previously struggling with poor health and requiring mobility assistance to walk, her life took a positive turn after she joined the centre. By actively participating in stretching and yoga classes, she has seen a significant improvement in her physical fitness and now enjoys a clearer, more vibrant mind.

“Discovering the centre had opened was a happy accident and I thought why not give it a try.

“So, I became a member. Now, I never miss a stretching class and I also take part in yoga.

“I have noticed a real improvement in my body. I used to struggle with simple movements and needed help just to walk or sit. Since joining the centre, I have completely set aside all worries.

“This is why I am so eager to take part in activities here.” 

Ms Lucia Tam (left) previously struggled with poor health, but her life took a positive turn after joining the centre’s stretching and yoga classes.

Golden opportunities

Po Leung Kuk Assistant Principal Social Services Secretary Rebecca Wong said traditional elderly centres often focus on basic care and social activities. While these services are important, she said they do not fully meet the expectations of younger seniors for growth and development.

“We aim to provide innovative and specialised activities that offer seniors more opportunities to develop their skills, showcase their abilities and achieve self-fulfilment,” she explained.

The centre offers a wide range of physical activities, including yoga classes, mountain climbing, canoeing and pickleball. These programmes are designed to help seniors maintain mobility, independence and overall health, while also providing opportunities to connect with nature.

To support emotional well-being, the centre also provides horticultural therapy, aroma therapy, art work sessions, latte art workshops and wine tasting activities.

These therapeutic programmes aim to reduce stress, alleviate anxiety and depressive symptoms, and help participants regulate their emotions.

To foster digital inclusion, the centre organises courses on artificial intelligence applications and e-sports activities. These initiatives empower seniors to keep pace with technological advancements, maintain mental agility through strategic thinking and strengthen their social bonds.

For many participants, Jolly Net is more than just a meeting point; it is a platform where they can showcase their talent, contribute to the community and lead fulfilling lives in their golden years.

Ms Rebecca Wong (left) says traditional elderly centres often focus on basic care and social activities, while they aim to provide activities that offer seniors opportunities to develop their skills.