Tourism Commission Investigates Food Poisoning Reports Among Mainland Tour Groups in Hong Kong

TC instructs TIA to take actions on suspected food poisoning incident involving Mainland inbound tour groups

The Tourism Commission (TC) is highly concerned about reports today (September 10) regarding Mainland inbound tour groups seeking medical attention at hospital owing to suspected food poisoning. The TC has immediately contacted the Travel Industry Authority (TIA) to understand the situation and provide appropriate assistance to the visitors concerned.

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung,attachesgreat importancetothewell-being of visitorsto Hong Kong. In light of two recent incidents involving suspected food poisoningof visitors, the TC has instructed the TIA to gather informationof thecurrentincident and cooperatewiththe Centre for Food Safetyfor theirinvestigations. The TC has also directed the TIA to promptly contact thetravel agentconcernedas well asother travel agentsarrangingvisits bytheMainland inbound tour groupstotherelevantrestaurants onthe same day tounderstand moreaboutthe situation. The TIAnotedthattheincidentreported todayinvolved twoMainland inbound tour groups organised by the same travel agent, both of which visited two restaurants in Kowloon City receivingMainland tour groupsand some members of the tour groups also consumed other food they brought on their own. In addition, the TIAcontacted another68 travel agents whichhadorganisedvisits by othertour groupstothose two restaurants and confirmed that, apart from the 11 individuals from thetwotour groups who felt unwell,all other members ofthetwogroupsand other tour groups havenot exhibited similar symptoms. Should there be incidents breachinganycodes and guidelines,the TIAwilltake actionsto safeguard the well-being ofvisitors.

TheTIA has also sent representatives to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital to understand the situation and provide assistance totheaffectedvisitors. It has also remindedtherelevant travel agents and restaurant operatorsreceivingMainlandinbound tour groupsto be vigilantandensure food and environmental hygiene, and to remind visitors topay attention to personal, food and environmental hygieneforensuringsafety.

LegCo delegation begins duty visit to Japan

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

The Legislative Council (LegCo) delegation (the delegation), led by the President of LegCo, Mr Andrew Leung, began a four-day duty visit in Japan today (December 21) to strengthen ties with Japan and gain a deeper understanding of the latest situations and opportunities of the country in the areas of trade, culture and tourism, fisheries and agriculture, and food safety.

Upon arrival in Tokyo, the delegation had dinner and exchanged views with representatives of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo. Members and the Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Miss Winsome Au, discussed issues such as fostering the bilateral economic and trade relations between Hong Kong and Japan, attracting investment, and promoting Hong Kong tourism. Members also gained insight into the latest developments of Japanese culture, and explored the opportunities for collaboration between Hong Kong and Japan’s cultural industries. Mr Leung expressed gratitude to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo for their assistance in facilitating this duty visit.

The delegation will continue their duty visit in Japan tomorrow (December 22).

The delegation is led by Mr Leung. The Deputy delegation leader is the Chairman of the Parliamentary Liaison Subcommittee, Mr Tommy Cheung. Other participating Subcommittee members are Mr Jeffrey Lam, Mr Dominic Lee, Ms Nixie Lam, Ms Joephy Chan, Mr Tang Fei and Mr Yim Kong.

LegCo delegation begins duty visit to Japan Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases