Regarding two suspected food poisoning clusters announced on 30th August, the Centre for Food Safety has conducted a preliminary investigation and has the following recommendations for food premises' reference:

Food poisoning cases
  • The first cluster involved two males and four females, aged between 36 and 46.
  • The second cluster involved one male and two females, aged between 28 and 30.

Suspected incriminated food item

Clam in preserved fish sauce

Possible association
  • Food suspected to be contaminated with Vibrio parahaemolyticus
  • Inadequate cooking
  • Improper hot holding temperature
Advice
  • Purchase seafood from reliable and approved sources with health certificates issued by the relevant authority.

  • Wash hands thoroughly between handling raw and cooked seafood.

  • Store raw food and ready-to-eat food separately to avoid cross-contamination.

  • Use separate food preparation areas for handling of raw, cooked, ready-to-eat and high-risk foods.

  • Handle raw foods and cooked foods or ready-to-eat foods by using designated utensils, including cutting boards, knives and wiping cloths.

  • Carefully plan the preparation schedule to avoid cooking food too far in advance. Cook foods especially high risk foods like seafood thoroughly until their core temperature reaches 75°C or above at least 30 seconds.

  • After cooking, hot dishes should be kept at above 60°C and cold dishes at 4°C or below if served at a later time.

  • Precooked food should be kept in hot- or cold-holding devices within 2 hours if not served immediately.

  • Strengthen the training on food safety, environment and personal hygiene of management personnel and food handlers.

Centre for Food Safety
02/09/2024