CHP investigates food poisoning outbreaks linked to Kowloon Bay and Tsuen Wan restaurants

The Centre for Health Protection is investigating multiple food poisoning clusters connected to two Hong Kong restaurants, with nine people affected after consuming food from New Red City Icehouse in Kowloon Bay and 22 individuals falling ill after eating at KTS in Tsuen Wan.

At the Kowloon Bay restaurant, six males and three females aged 28-50 developed symptoms including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever and diarrhea 14-29 hours after dining on September 12. Seven sought medical attention, with two requiring hospitalization. Preliminary investigation revealed issues with undercooked food and cross-contamination in dishes including barbecued pork egg rice with XO sauce and Hainan chicken rice.

The Tsuen Wan restaurant cases expanded from two to nine clusters involving 22 people aged 6-70 who fell ill after eating there between September 10-12. Twenty sought medical care, with three hospitalized. Laboratory testing confirmed Vibrio parahaemolyticus in one patient's stool sample. Investigation identified improperly stored chicken dishes prepared too far in advance as the likely source.

Both restaurants have temporarily closed for thorough cleaning and disinfection. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has instructed them to stop selling implicated food items and provided food safety education to staff.

Health authorities remind the public to maintain proper hygiene practices when dining out, including avoiding raw seafood, choosing pasteurized egg products, patronizing licensed restaurants, ensuring thorough cooking of food, and practicing proper hand hygiene.