FEHD steps up inspections as raw oyster food poisoning cases rise

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has stepped up inspections of premises selling raw oysters across Hong Kong following a recent increase in food poisoning cases linked to the shellfish.

Over the past five days, officers have visited about 430 food businesses selling raw oysters, providing immediate hygiene advice on storage, handling, and environmental conditions. Inspections will continue to ensure compliance with licensing conditions and statutory hygiene standards.

Investigations since February revealed that 10 cases involved raw oysters supplied by Korea's Seojun Mulsan Co., Ltd. As a precaution, the Centre for Food Safety instructed the trade on February 5 to stop importing and selling oysters from this supplier.

Another 11 cases were linked to oysters supplied by the food factory Jeton International Foods and 88 Investment Holdings Limited. The CFS has instructed the company to suspend sales and supply, and issued a press release on February 6 requiring the trade to stop selling its oysters. Investigations into other cases involving oysters from various countries are ongoing.

The FEHD spokesperson reminded the public that oysters can accumulate harmful bacteria and viruses if grown in contaminated water. Susceptible groups, including pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immunity, should avoid consuming raw oysters.