The Centre for Health Protection is investigating a suspected food poisoning involving seven students from a Hung Hom primary school. The students, one boy and six girls, ate lunches provided by a food supplier.

They developed nausea and vomiting about an hour after eating. Five were taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital while the other two sought treatment from private doctors. Their symptoms were generally mild. They are in stable condition.

Investigations suggest this was an outbreak of bacterial food poisoning of short incubation period.

With the arrival of summer, the Department of Health called on people to be cautious against food poisoning. As many bacteria multiply faster in higher temperatures, there is an increased risk of food poisoning outbreaks.

To prevent food-borne diseases:

* clean and cook food thoroughly before consumption, particularly shrimp, crab, oysters and clams;

* wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet;

* handle raw and cooked food with separate utensils to prevent cross contamination;

* keep raw and cooked food separately;

* store food in the refrigerator (at 4 degrees Celsius or below) and adequately reheat leftover food before consumption; and,

* keep the environment clean.