Food Poisoning Clusters Investigated After Buffet Outbreak in Hong Kong

CHP investigates two epidemiologically linked food poisoning clusters

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 3) investigating two epidemiologically linked food poisoning clusters affecting a total of seven persons. The CHP reminded the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent foodborne diseases.

The two clusters involve one male and six females, aged between 21 and 67. They developed diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting and fever approximately 13 to 44 hours after having a buffet at The Astor, B1/F, Eaton Hong Kong, 380 Nathan Road, Yau Ma Tei on August 29 and 30 respectively. Four of the affected persons sought medical advice but did not require hospitalisation. They are currently in stable condition.

Eaton Hotel, Photo source: reference image

The Astor, B1/F, Eaton Hong Kong, Photo source: the official website of Eaton

Officers of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (including personnel of the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) and the Environmental Hygiene Branch) and the CHP conducted a joint investigation, and examined the food handling processes and hygiene at the restaurant. Environmental samples were also collected for testing. The CFS immediately instructed the restaurant to suspend serving the incriminated food items, 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 buffet at The Astor, Photo source: official website of Eaton

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.

The Centre for Health Protection, Photo source: reference image

CAS stages concert to celebrate its band's 50th anniversary

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Civil Aid Service (CAS) Band, the CAS today (November1) held the "CAS Band 50th Anniversary Concert" at the Academic Community Hall of HongKong Baptist University (HKBU). The concert featured the premiere of the CAS song "United We Stand", showcasing the spirit of "Serving the Community with Passion, Courage and Commitment". More than a thousand serving and retired CAS members, together with their family members, attended the event to mark this important milestone.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk,expressed gratitude to the Organising Committee for the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of the CAS Band for their careful planning and efforts, which contributed to the success of the event. He remarked that over the past half-century, the CAS Band has grown from a small-scale unit into a music group widely recognised by society today. This journey has been forged by the dedication of successive members, bears testimony to the passing of the torch within the Band, and reflects the CAS's steadfast belief in serving society and caring for the community.

Other guests attending the event included the Interim Provost of HKBU, Professor Liu Jiming; the Commissioner of the CAS, Mr Victor Pang; and the Chief Staff Officer of the CAS, Mr Leung Kwun-hong.

The concert featured a rich and diverse programme. The CAS Band, together with HKBU students, performed a series of wellknown pieces, including "only you cannot be replaced", "The Brave Chinese" and "My People, My Country".

Members of the CAS Cadet Corps also presented "You Raise Me Up" and a Chinese drum performance. HKBU students gave performances including piano solos, flute and clarinet duets, as well as Chinese dance. The concert concluded with all performers joining in a mass choir rendition of classic songs, such as "Ode to the Motherland" and "Beneath The Lion Rock", bringing the event to a successful close.

Source: AI-found images