Recent Food Poisoning Cases Suspected to be Caused by Consumption of Raw Sea Urchins

Recent Food Poisoning Cases Suspected to be Caused by Consumption of Raw Sea Urchins

Background

Recently, there had been a number of Vibrio parahaemolyticus food poisoning cases suspected to be caused by consumption of raw sea urchins. Follow-up investigations by Centre for Food Safety (CFS) found that the raw sea urchin was supplied by the same supplier, "Ho's Brother's Sea Food Company". CFS has requested the supplier to stop distributing the product. At the same time, since the supplier claimed that the sea urchins were supplied from Shenzhen, the CFS informed the relevant authority in the Mainland to take further action. No further cases occurred after control measures taken by the CFS.

What is Vibrio parahaemolyticus?

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a vibrio naturally found in the marine environment and seafood. It is one of the most frequently isolated food poisoning organisms and can be destroyed by heating at 75oC or above for several minute. Incubation period is from 4 to 30 hours and usually 12-24 hours. The symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, occasionally with mild fever.

Advice to Consumers taking sushi and sashimi

Advice to the trade supplying sushi and sashimi

Further Information

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