The Centre for Health Protection is investigating the suspected bacterial food poisoning of 11 people.

The first group comprises a man and two women, aged 18 to 40, who fell ill after eating at a Sha Tin restaurant on April 30. One sought treatment from Tuen Mun Hospital and one saw a private doctor. All are stable.

Another group, four men and four women, aged seven to 82, fell ill on the same day at the same eatery. One was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital while two others consulted private doctors. They are stable.

People, especially food handlers, should observe good personal and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases. They should:

* clean and cook food thoroughly before consumption, particularly seafood;

* 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 four degrees Celsius or below) and adequately reheat leftover food before consumption; and,

* keep the environment clean.