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Author Archives: hksar gov

Inspection of aquatic products imported from Japan

     As at noon today (August 30), the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has conducted tests on the radiological level of 158 food samples imported from Japan, which were of the “aquatic products, seaweeds and sea salt” category. No sample was found to have exceeded the safety limit. Details can be found on the CFS’s thematic website titled “Control Measures on Foods Imported from Japan” (www.cfs.gov.hk/english/programme/programme_rafs/programme_rafs_fc_01_30_Nuclear_Event_and_Food_Safety.html).
     
     In parallel, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has also tested 50 samples of local catch for radiological tests. All the samples passed the tests. Details can be found on the AFCD’s website (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/Radiological_testing/Radiological_Test.html).
     
     The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) has also enhanced the environmental monitoring of the local waters. No anomaly was detected so far. For details, please refer to the HKO’s website (www.hko.gov.hk/en/radiation/monitoring/seawater.html).
 
     From August 24 to noon today, the CFS and the AFCD have conducted tests on the radiological level of 1 147 samples of food imported from Japan and 350 samples of local catch respectively. All the samples passed the tests. read more

East Asia

CHP investigates case of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 30) investigating a case of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection, and hence reminded the public to maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene against intestinal infections.

     The case involves a 61-year-old female with good past health, who presented with fever, nausea and abdominal pain on August 14. She attended St. Paul’s Hospital on August 16 and was admitted on the same day. She was discharged on August 17 after her condition became stable.

     Her stool specimen grew STEC upon laboratory testing.

     According to information provided by the patient, she had no travel history and did not consume any high-risk food (such as raw meat and unpasteurised dairy products) during the incubation period. Investigations of the CHP are ongoing.

     “Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium that is commonly found in the gut of humans and warm-blooded animals. Most strains of E. coli are harmless. Some strains, however, such as STEC, can produce powerful toxins and cause severe food-borne disease. The most recognised serogroup of STEC is E. coli O157:H7,” a spokesman for the CHP explained.

     Preventive measures for STEC infection are similar to those recommended for other food-borne diseases. The public are advised to observe good personal and food hygiene:
 

  • Adopt the Five Keys to Food Safety in handling food, i.e. Choose (choose safe raw materials), Clean (keep hands and utensils clean), Separate (separate raw and cooked food), Cook (cook thoroughly) and Safe Temperature (keep food at a safe temperature) to prevent food-borne diseases;
  • Wash hands properly with liquid soap and water before handling food, after handling raw meat or poultry and before eating, and after going to the toilet or changing diapers;
  • Cook food and boil water thoroughly before consumption. When cooking or reheating, the core temperature of the food should reach at least 75 degrees Celsius;
  • Avoid consumption of unpasteurised milk or undercooked food; and
  • Consult your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of STEC infection, particularly bloody diarrhoea.

     â€‹â€‹The public may visit the CHP’s STEC page for more information. read more

East Asia

Youth uniformed groups visit PLA Hong Kong Garrison Exhibition Center (with photos)

     The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, today (August 30) led over 120 leaders and members of youth uniformed groups to visit the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison Exhibition Center at Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks to strengthen members of youth uniformed groups’ understanding of the remarkable achievements of the country, as well as the nation’s military history and the work of the Hong Kong Garrison.
 
     Members of youth uniformed groups visited the exhibition themed “Dreams of the East”. They appreciated historical photos, antiques and models of the PLA’s military equipment installed at the three thematic exhibition halls, namely “the Chinese Dream”, “the Dream of a Strong Military” and “the PRC HK Garrison”, and the weaponry and equipment area.
 
     Miss Mak thanked the Hong Kong Garrison for specially arranging the visit. It not only provides young people with a valuable opportunity for national education, but also reflects the care and attention of the Hong Kong Garrison to the young people in Hong Kong.
 
     This visit is a signature event under 2023 youthfest@HK (festival). Being one of the key initiatives of the Chief Executive’s 2022 Policy Address and the Youth Development Blueprint, the festival attracts and unites young people from different backgrounds and with varying aspirations and hobbies through a variety of activities. Through participating in the festival, young people are able to broaden their horizons, understand their potential and interests, and be inspired to plan for their future.  

     With the tripartite collaboration among the Government, the business sector and the community, there are more than 100 all-encompassing activities under the festival to promote positive thinking among young people on all fronts. For the latest updates of the events under the festival, please visit the thematic webpage www.youthfest.hk.

Photo  Photo  
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East Asia