The Centre for Health Protection is investigating two reports of suspected food poisoning outbreaks involving 17 people upon notification by the Guangdong Department of Health.

The affected people, five men and 12 women, aged 24 to 69, were among two tour groups to Shaoguan in Guangdong Province.

A group of 15 people had breakfast at a hotel in Shaoguan on September 22. Five of them, a man and four women aged 40 to 52, developed gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting 4.5 to seven hours afterwards.

They sought medical treatment from the Accident & Emergency Department of North District Hospital upon returning to Hong Kong. All are in stable condition and no hospitalisation was required.

Another group of 34 people had breakfast at the same place on September 22. Twelve of them, four men and eight women aged 24 to 69, developed gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting two to 13.5 hours afterwards.

Some of them sought medical treatment at a local hospital. All are in stable condition and no hospitalisation was required.

Initial investigations suggested that bacteria were likely to be the causative agent of the outbreaks.

Observe good food hygiene when visiting abroad

The public are reminded to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent food-borne diseases.

When dining out:

* Only patronise reputable and licensed restaurants;

* Do not patronise illegal food hawkers;

* Cook food thoroughly;

* Avoid eating raw seafood;

* Be a discerning consumer in choosing cold dishes, including sashimi and raw oysters in a buffet;

* Drink boiled water;

* Use two sets of chopsticks and eating utensils to handle raw and cooked food;

* Do not try to use salt, vinegar, wine and wasabi to kill bacteria as they are not effective;