CHP investigates suspected food poisoning cluster
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 12) investigating a suspected food poisoning cluster affecting 39 persons. The CHP reminded the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent foodborne diseases.
The case involved 37 students of a school in Sha Tin, comprising 23 males and 14 females, aged 5 to 11, and two staff members of the school, aged 34 and 38. They developed abdominal pain and diarrhoea, about 8 to 22 hours after having lunch provided by a school lunch supplier at the school on September 9. Two affected students sought medical advice, and none required hospitalisation. They are in stable condition. Other affected personshave mild symptoms and do not need to seek medical consultation.
Initial investigations of the CHP revealed that the affected persons consumed the same type of lunch boxes before onset of symptoms, pointing to food poisoning likely related to the consumption of marinated chicken leg and penne provided by the lunch supplier. Officers of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) (including personnel of the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) and the Environmental Hygiene Branch) and the CHP conducted a joint investigation at the school immediately. They examined the food storing and distributing processes and environmental hygiene at the school, and collected food samples at school for testing. The officers also provided preventive advice against food poisoning to the school.
Officers from the FEHD also inspected the lunch supplier concerned. They inspected the food storage, food preparation process and environmental hygiene. The CFS immediately instructed the supplier concerned to suspend serving the incriminated food items, and suspend operations today for thorough cleaning and disinfection. The CFS has also provided food safety and environmental hygiene education to the staff. Food and environmental samples were collected for testing.
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.
Source: AI-found images
More than 1 500 teachers commended at Teachers' Day ceremony
The following is issued on behalf of the Committee on Respect Our Teachers Campaign:
Organised by the Committee on Respect Our Teachers Campaign (CROTC), the Salute to Teachers 2026 - Teachers' Day Ceremony was held today (September 12). The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, officiated at the ceremony and paid tribute to teachers for their selfless dedication in nurturing talent. More than 1 500 teachers have been commended this year.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the CROTC, Dr Chiu Cheung-ki, expressed his appreciation to the teachers for embodying the warmth and power of education. The unwavering passion and commitment of the teachers to the cause of education deserves the highest tribute from everyone. The CROTC will steadfastly uphold its mission and continue to promote the traditional culture of respect for teachers.
Dr Choi said that in a fast-changing technological era with the rapid development of AI, the role of teachers is more important than ever. While technology no doubt can reform teaching methods, it can never replace the noble mission of teachers in nurturing students. Only teachers can discern the unique potential of every student. With the wisdom to enlighten minds and cater for learners' diversity, teachers can offer guidance when students feel confused, offer encouragement when they face setbacks, and provide affirmation on their personal growth.
The Blueprint for Digital Education Development in Primary and Secondary Schools announced by the Government emphasises the pivotal role of teachers in driving digital education, and equips them with the capability to apply AI. Dr Choi expressed her hope that while advancing AI-empowered learning and teaching, teachers would always bear in mind the core mission of "cultivating values and nurturing people" when fostering students' capabilities in innovation, collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking, such that students can put "technology for good" into practice with reasonable and responsible use of AI tools.
Dr Choi expressed her gratitude to the CROTC for its work and contribution over the years in actively promoting the spirit of respect for teachers and love for students, and fostering a culture of respect for teachers. She encouraged all parties to continue to join hands, uphold the original aspiration of nurturing students, and work together for nurturing more outstanding individuals with both virtues and talents.
The CROTC has been organising the Teachers' Commendation Scheme annually since 1995. With this year marking its 31st session, the scheme aims to foster a culture of respect for teachers. Under the scheme, secondary schools, primary schools, kindergartens and special schools may each nominate two teachers who have demonstrated commitment and excellence in teaching. Over 41 200 teachers have been commended in previous years.
Other officiating guests at the ceremony today included Second-level Inspector of the Education and Youth Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Dr He Jinhui and the Chairperson of the Committee on Professional Development of Teachers and Principals, Professor Tam Kar-yan.
More than 1 500 teachers commended at Teachers' Day ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
More than 1 500 teachers commended at Teachers' Day ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
