CHP investigates food poisoning cluster
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 8) investigating a food poisoning cluster affecting 10 persons, and reminded the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene when travelling outside Hong Kong to prevent foodborne diseases.
The CHP was notified by the Cathay Pacific Airways Limited (CX) that some passengers of a flight arriving in Hong Kong from Kathmandu, Nepal, this morning reported food poisoning symptoms, including vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and fever, about 10 to 30 minutes after having meals served in flight.Upon arrival of the flight, staff members of the Port Health Division of the CHP immediately boarded the plane to conduct epidemiological investigations of the affected passengers.
The cluster involved six males and four females aged between 21 and 38. Four of them sought medical advice upon landing. None required hospitalisation.
Preliminary investigations by the CHP revealed that the food served on the flight included: bread, fruits, salad, lamb rice, chicken rice and ice-cream. On the other hand, nine of the affected persons had joined an exchange trip to Nepal between December 28, 2024 and January 7, 2025. In addition to eating on board the flight to Hong Kong, these nine people had eaten the same takeaway chicken, cucumber and tomato sandwiches with salad dressing and French fries about two hours before boarding the flight (i.e. four to five hours before the onset of symptoms). Based on the epidemiological information currently available, it is likely that the sandwiches were the source of the outbreak.
The CHP is still investigating the incident, and an increase in the number of people affected cannot be ruled out. As a precautionary measure, the CHP has collected the food samples served in flight for testing.
The CHP appealed to those who were onboard the flight operated by CX (flight number: CX640) from Kathmandu, Nepal, to Hong Kong on January 7 local time to call the CHP hotline (2125 2372) for follow up and medical surveillance. The hotline will operate from tomorrow (January 9) until January 10 from 9am to 5pm.They should seek medical advice immediately if they develop symptoms of infection, such as fever or feeling unwell.
To prevent foodborne diseases, members of the public are reminded to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times. When dining out, one should:
Avoid eating raw seafood;
Be a discerning consumer in choosing cold dishes, including sashimi, sushi and raw oysters at a buffet;
Choose pasteurised eggs, egg products or dried egg powder for dishes that often use lightly cooked or uncooked eggs;
Patronise only reliable and licensed restaurants;
Store and reheat pre-cooked or leftover foods properly before consumption;
Ensure food is thoroughly cooked before eating during a hotpot or barbecue meal;
Handle raw and cooked foods carefully and separate them completely during the cooking process;
Use two sets of chopsticks and utensils to handle raw and cooked foods;
Avoid patronising illegal food hawkers;
Drink boiled water;
Refrain from trying to use salt, vinegar, wine or wasabi to kill bacteria as they are not effective; and
Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet.
FS begins visit to Jakarta, Indonesia (with photos/video)
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, today (January 8) began his visit to Jakarta, Indonesia. He attended the Think Business, Think Hong Kong Symposium organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) in the morning, addressing over 1 500 leaders from the commerce and industry, financial, and innovation and technology sectors in Indonesia and nearby regions to promote Hong Kong's new advantages and new opportunities.
Mr Chan noted in his speech that Indonesia's economy has developed rapidly, with an average annual growth rate of 4.2 per cent over the past decade. The youthful labour force, fast-growing middle class, expanding consumer market and rapid urbanisation have made Indonesia an emerging market full of opportunities.
Mr Chan said that with the unique advantages of connections to both Mainland China and foreign countries under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong serves as the "super connector" and "super value-adder". Hong Kong is not only an international financial, shipping and trading centre,and an international hub for high-calibre talents but also a core city of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, making it the most convenient and efficient gateway for Indonesian enterprises to enter Mainland China.
In his speech, Mr Chan also highlighted Hong Kong's strengths in financial services and green technology. As a leading global financial centre, Hong Kong has full-chain fundraising capabilities. Through mutual access with the capital markets of Mainland China, Indonesian companies that are listed in Hong Kong can access both Mainland and international funds simultaneously. In light of Indonesia's massive infrastructure investment needs, infrastructure projects in Indonesia can be financed in Hong Kong through various channels such as public listings, issuing bonds, forming real estate investment trusts, bonds, and even securitisation of the projects. In addition, Hong Kong is the world's largest offshore RMB business hub. With the continuous rise in trade between China and Indonesia, Indonesian businessmen holding RMB can take advantage of the various RMB-denominated investment and risk management tools offered by Hong Kong to earn better returns and manage risks effectively. They can also issue RMB-denominated securities in Hong Kong to raise funds to support their business development needs in the mainland. Regarding green and sustainable finance, Hong Kong's relevant standards are highly aligned with international ones, which can support Indonesia and the region's green transformation. Additionally, the Science Park and Cyberport have gathered many green technology companies that can provide innovative green solutions for Indonesian partners.
Mr Chan also introduced Hong Kong's advantages in high-value supply chain management services. Under the prevailing international political and economic landscape, many companies are seeking to diversify risks by re-aligning their industry and supply chains. They require services such as supply chain management, trade financing, corporate treasury services and professional consulting. As a "super connector" and "super value-adder," Hong Kong is well-positioned to offer these services. Indonesian companies are welcomed to establish their international or regional business headquarters, corporate treasury centres, and supply chain management centres in Hong Kong.
Organised by the HKTDC, the Think Business, Think Hong Kong Symposium brought together about 120 government representatives, business leaders, start-up representatives and professional service providers from Hong Kong to strengthen commercial connections between Hong Kong and Indonesia. An exhibition zone for professional services and start-ups was set up at the event to showcase products and solutions from Hong Kong companies, facilitating business matching between Hong Kong and Indonesia.
Afterwards, Mr Chan met with various senior government officials of Indonesia, including the Minister of Finance, Ms Sri Mulyani Indrawati; the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Dr Airlangga Hartarto; the Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry, Mr Rosan Perkasa Roeslani; and the Deputy Minister of Trade, Ms Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri. Mr Chan introduced them to the advantages and development opportunities in Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and the unique role and functions of Hong Kong therein. They discussed strengthening co-operation in bilateral trade, investments, finance and innovation and technology. Mr Chan welcomed them to visit Hong Kong and lead business delegations to Hong Kong and the GBA to explore more business opportunities and strengthen collaboration.
In the afternoon, Mr Chan called on the Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr Wang Lutong, to understand the latest developments on collaboration between the country and Indonesia, and exchange views on strengthening economic and people-to-people relations between Hong Kong and Indonesia.
Mr Chan had lunch with key members of the China Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia to understand the Indonesian social economic conditions and business environment and their experience in Indonesia, and exchange views on issues of mutual interest.
This evening, Mr Chan attended the Hong Kong Dinner organised by the HKTDC where he addressed more than 400 Indonesian leaders from commerce and industry to promote Hong Kong in business, culture, tourism and lifestyle.
Mr Chan will continue his visit to Jakarta tomorrow (January 9). He will depart for Hong Kong in the afternoon local time.
FS begins visit to Jakarta, Indonesia (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FS begins visit to Jakarta, Indonesia (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FS begins visit to Jakarta, Indonesia (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FS begins visit to Jakarta, Indonesia (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FS begins visit to Jakarta, Indonesia (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FS begins visit to Jakarta, Indonesia (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FS begins visit to Jakarta, Indonesia (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FS begins visit to Jakarta, Indonesia (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FS begins visit to Jakarta, Indonesia (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FS begins visit to Jakarta, Indonesia (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FS begins visit to Jakarta, Indonesia (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FS begins visit to Jakarta, Indonesia (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
