Food Poisoning Cluster Affects 39 Persons, Including 37 Schoolchildren in Sha Tin; Investigation Underway

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 Centre for Health Protection, Photo source: reference image

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 persons have mild symptoms and do not need to seek medical consultation.

The affected school, Photo source: online image

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.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Photo source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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

The affected school, Photo source: reference image

Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animal

Hong Kong Customs today (September 13) detected a suspected case of illegal importing of animal at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point. A suspected illegally imported live cat with a total estimated market value of about $25,000 was seized.

Customs officers today intercepted a 61-year-old incoming Mainland male passenger at the Arrival Hall of the said Control Point. Upon examination, a live cat was seized from his personal belongings, and he was subsequently arrested. The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.

Customs reminds the public that importing animals into Hong Kong without a valid permit is an offence.

Under the Rabies Regulation, any person found guilty of illegally importing animals, carcasses or animal products is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for one year.

Hong Kong Customs today (September 13) detected a suspected case of illegal importing of animal at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point. A suspected illegally imported live cat with a total estimated market value of about $25,000 was seized. Photo shows the suspected illegally imported live cat seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases