CHP investigates cluster of food poisoning after consumption of porcini mushrooms
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 20) investigating a cluster of food poisoning cases after consumption of porcini mushrooms. The public is urged to buy mushrooms from reputable and reliable stores.
The cluster involves a male and two females, aged between 12 to 52. Approximately three to six hours after cooking and consuming porcini mushrooms at home on April 5, they presented with vomiting and abdominal pain. They sought medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on April 6 and were subsequently discharged after treatment.
Based on their clinical symptoms, the CHP believed that the patients' food poisoning was caused by consuming porcini mushrooms. Samples of uncooked porcini mushrooms from the same batch provided by a patient were confirmed to be a poisonous mushroom species containing certain gastrointestinal irritants that can remain even after being cooked.
Preliminary investigations revealed that one of the patients bought the porcini mushrooms concerned from Yunnan Province in January this year. The product did not have a trademark, nor information about the place of origin.
The CHP will report the case to the relevant authority of the Chinese Mainland, and will continue to follow up on the case and take appropriate action to safeguard public health.
Mushroom poisoning is generally acute. Common presentations include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain appearing shortly after ingestion. Depending on the mushroom species, patients may also have other symptoms such as profuse sweating, hallucinations, other neurological symptoms, as well as liver failure. The patient could go into a coma. Death may result in severe cases. If mushroom poisoning is suspected, the patient should seek immediate medical attention and bring along any available remnant for identification.
Members of the public are recommended to take note of the following when choosing or consuming mushrooms locally or overseas:
Buy mushrooms from reputable and reliable suppliers, and do notbuy mushroom products which may be mixed with unknown species;
Do not buy mushrooms which look unhygienic, such as those with growing substrates left with the product, or those which show signs of spoilage such as coloured spots/abnormal smell/slime, etc;
Do not pick wild mushrooms for consumption as it is difficult to distinguish edible mushroom species from inedible ones; and
Wash and cook mushrooms thoroughly before consumption.
Source: AI-found images
HKETO Kuala Lumpur supports joint forum on industrial collaboration between Hong Kong and Malaysia
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Kuala Lumpur (HKETO Kuala Lumpur) participated in the Malaysia-Hong Kong Industrial Partnership Forum held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, today (April 20). The Forum aims to explore opportunities for strengthening industrial collaboration between Hong Kong and Malaysia.
It featured a panel session titled "Building Competitive Manufacturing through Productivity, Technology and Industry Linkages", and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two co-organisers of the Forum, namely the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing. The MOU marks an important milestone in fostering industrial collaborations between Hong Kong and Malaysia.
Addressing the Forum, the Director of the HKETO Kuala Lumpur, Mr Owin Fung, highlighted the complementary nature of the two economies, and shared Hong Kong's advantages and new developments including the Northern Metropolis, the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, the Economic and Trade Express and the AI+ Initiative that would help drive bilateral investments and collaborations on innovation and technology, stimulating industrial partnerships between the two places.
He also highlighted new industrialisation and smart manufacturing as emerging areas of common interest between Hong Kong and Malaysia, and encouraged collaborations between industries of the two economies. "By fostering industry collaborations, we are cocreating value through technology adoption and innovative business models," Mr Fung said.
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia, Mr Sim Tze Tzin, noted the close economic relations between Hong Kong and Malaysia, and the potential of industrial partnerships between the two economies in addressing challenges brought by supply chain disruption.
The Forum brought together about 100 industry leaders, policymakers, technology experts, and academia from both Hong Kong and Malaysia. Focusing on enhancing productivity, accelerating technology adoption, and fostering innovation-driven growth within the manufacturing sector, it provided a robust platform for participants to discuss opportunities for industrial collaboration and practical approaches to enhance competitiveness.
After the Forum, the HKPC delegation and representatives from Hong Kong media proceeded to Penang for visits to several Hong Kong-owned manufacturing facilities that serve to showcase success stories of Hong Kong enterprises in Malaysia.
HKETO Kuala Lumpur supports joint forum on industrial collaboration between Hong Kong and Malaysia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO Kuala Lumpur supports joint forum on industrial collaboration between Hong Kong and Malaysia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO Kuala Lumpur supports joint forum on industrial collaboration between Hong Kong and Malaysia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
