Kindergarten teacher and 10 kids affected in suspected food poisoning cluster

The Centre for Health Protection is now investigating a suspected food poisoning cluster affecting 10 children and a female teacher who have consumed steamed rice with pumpkin and diced pork. 

The cluster involved eight boys and two girls, aged 3 to 5, and a female teacher, who developed abdominal pain and diarrhea about 5.5 to 15 hours after having lunch at a kindergarten in Eastern District on Wednesday. 

One of them sought medical advice and none required hospitalization. All the kids and the teacher are in stable conditions. 

Initial investigation of the CHP revealed that the affected persons had consumed common food and the food concerned was steamed rice with pumpkin and diced pork. 

The poisoning might have been caused by Bacillus cereus or Clostridium perfringens; the CHP noted. 

“The personnel from the Centre for Food Safety of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department have conducted an investigation at the concerned premises. The CHP’s investigation is ongoing,” it said. 

The CHP reminded the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent foodborne diseases, such as avoid eating raw seafood and ensure food is thoroughly cooked before eating during a hotpot or barbecue meal.