The Centre for Health Protection is investigating a case of suspected food poisoning involving at least 13 people.

The four men and nine women, aged 20 to 31, were members of a tour to Malaysia from May 31 to June 4. They developed diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever and vomiting on June 3. Eight sought treatment from private doctors (two in Malaysia and six in Hong Kong) and no hospitalisation was required.

The Centre for Health Protection has contacted the travel agency concerned and other tour members to give health advice. It has also notified the relevant health authority about the case.

People are reminded to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent food-borne diseases. When dining out, they should:

* 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; and,