The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (Jan. 28) is investigating a food poisoning case involving six men and eight women aged between 18 and 23.
They consumed poon choi (big bowl feast) during dinner at a student hostel of a university on Jan. 22 and developed fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea about 25 to 58 hours later. Eight of the affected persons have sought medical treatment and all of them did not require hospitalization.
A preliminary investigation by the CHP revealed that the affected persons had consumed poon choi provided and prepared by Café de Coral on the ground floor of Kin Liong Mansion, 16-30 North Street, Kennedy Town. Staff of the CHP and the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) have conducted an investigation at the restaurant, examined the food preparation process and hygiene, and taken environmental samples for testing.
Another preliminary investigation by the CFS revealed that there was a possibility of cross-contamination between raw and cooked food during the preparation of the poon choi. The CFS has immediately instructed the premises concerned to suspend the supply of the poon choi in question and carry out thorough cleansing and disinfection. CFS has also provided advice to the person in charge and staff to enhance food safety and hand hygiene. The investigation is continuing and an increase in the number of people affected cannot be ruled out.
A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) reminded that cold-processed pon choi should be kept at 4 degrees Celsius or below and that when picking up and transporting pon choi, ensure that it is kept at a temperature above 60 degrees Celsius and that the food should be thoroughly reheated to a center temperature of 75 degrees Celsius or above before consumption.
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