In a major food poisoning outbreak in Hong Kong, 138 individuals have fallen ill after consuming meals at different establishments in the city. Health authorities are currently investigating multiple clusters of cases, with the most significant linked to the Golden Lilies International Banquet Hall in Kowloon Bay.
Golden Lilies Banquet Hall Outbreak
Key Details of the Incident:
Number of Cases: 138 individuals, including 54 males and 84 females.
Age Range of Patients: 25 to 91 years old.
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and fever experienced 6 to 68 hours after dining at the venue.
Hospitalizations: Three patients required hospital care and were later discharged; 65 others sought medical advice.
Affected Food and Hygiene Violations:
An investigation by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) and the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) revealed that several menu items, including “siu mei” dishes like roasted piglet and chicken, were improperly handled:
Prepared too far in advance without adequate reheating.
Suspected cross-contamination during preparation processes.
Actions Taken by Authorities:
The CFS ordered the banquet hall to:
Suspend the preparation and service of all “siu mei” dishes involved.
Thoroughly clean and disinfect the premises.
Improve food preparation and hygiene practices.
Provide food safety training to staff.
Public Appeal:
The CHP has urged individuals who dined at the restaurant between January 8 and 12 and experienced symptoms to contact their hotline for health assessments.
Kyukyoku Do Restaurant Incident
A separate food poisoning cluster has been linked to Kyukyoku Do, located at the Circle Tower in Causeway Bay.
Number of Cases: 22 individuals, including 5 males and 17 females.
Age Range of Patients: 28 to 65 years old.
Symptoms: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever experienced 11 to 51 hours after consuming dinner on January 12.
Hospitalizations: None.
Source of Contamination: Laboratory tests on stool samples revealed Norovirus in two patients. Epidemiological investigations point to raw oysters and crab salad as the likely sources of contamination.
The CHP continues to monitor the situation and has advised the restaurant to improve food hygiene standards.
Enforcement Actions by Food Authorities
Closure of Unlicensed Restaurant in Kowloon Bay
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has obtained a closure order against a restaurant operating illegally since 2019 at Unit 1B2, Fook Hong Industrial Building, Kowloon Bay.
Number of Prosecutions: 76 cases related to operating without a license.
Penalties for Breach: Fines up to HK$100,000 (U.S. $12,800), imprisonment for 12 months, and daily fines of HK$1,750 (U.S. $220) for violations after closure.
The closure order will take effect on January 23, 2025.
Unlicensed Cold Storage Facility Raided
Earlier this week, the FEHD also raided an unlicensed cold storage facility in Ping Che.
Arrests: One individual was arrested.
Seized Items:
Over 27,500 kilograms of chilled poultry and game with official health certificates.
An additional 100 kilograms of chilled poultry without certification, which was disposed of.
Penalties for Violations: Operators of unlicensed cold stores face fines of up to HK$50,000 (U.S. $6,400) and six months’ imprisonment upon conviction.
Food Safety Concerns Raised
These incidents highlight critical issues in food safety and hygiene practices in Hong Kong’s restaurant and food supply sectors. The CHP and CFS continue to enforce strict measures to minimize public health risks, including education for food handlers and surprise inspections of facilities.
Consumers are urged to be vigilant and report suspected food safety violations. Anyone experiencing symptoms of foodborne illnesses should seek medical advice immediately.
