Public health officials in Hong Kong are grappling with a series of recent food poisoning incidents linked to various food items, raising concerns about food safety across the city.
Suspected Puffer Fish Poisoning
Earlier this week, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) reported a suspected case of puffer fish poisoning. An 84-year-old man experienced dizziness, finger numbness, and shortness of breath shortly after consuming cooked puffer fish he had caught himself. Puffer fish organs contain the potent neurotoxin tetrodotoxin, which is not removed by cooking or freezing. The patient is now in stable condition after receiving medical treatment.
Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning
Two individuals, a 42-year-old woman, and a 45-year-old man, suffered tingling of the tongue, vomiting, and diarrhea after consuming steamed snails purchased from a seafood stall. Investigations revealed that these symptoms were likely caused by neurotoxic shellfish poisoning toxin, a heat-stable toxin found in some bivalve shellfish.
Officials advise consumers to source shellfish from areas with toxin monitoring programs and purchase such products from trusted sources.
Bacterial Outbreaks
The CHP also probed two suspected food poisoning clusters affecting five people. Both clusters experienced symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever after dining at a restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui. Pancakes made with eggs were suspected sources of Salmonella.
An imported case of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infection was recorded in mid-August involving a 2-year-old boy who had been to Malaysia.
The largest outbreak affected at least 55 individuals who experienced abdominal pain and diarrhea after dining at a campsite canteen in Tai Po. Penne carbonara contaminated with Clostridium perfringens was suspected, with improper food holding temperatures cited as a possible cause.
Wild Plants and Bamboo Shoots
A 69-year-old woman fell ill after consuming a dangerous plant, emphasizing the need for caution when foraging for wild plants. Some plants, like giant alocasia, resemble edible ones like taro but contain toxins that can cause food poisoning.
Additionally, a 67-year-old man and a 50-year-old woman suffered various symptoms after drinking juice made from raw bamboo shoots. These shoots contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be toxic when eaten raw. Officials recommend cutting them into smaller pieces, soaking them in water, and thoroughly boiling them before consumption.
These incidents serve as a stark reminder for residents and visitors in Hong Kong to exercise caution when choosing and preparing food. The Centre for Health Protection continues to investigate these cases to ensure the safety of the public.