CHP investigates suspected food poisoning related to calcium oxalate raphide

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 16) investigating a case of suspected food poisoning, and hence reminded the public to beware of vegetables containing calcium oxalate raphide.

     The female patient, aged 49, developed tongue pain and swelling, lip pain and swelling, epigastric pain and slurring of speech shortly after consuming a wild taro at home in Tuen Mun yesterday (August 15). She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital on the same day. She is now in a serious condition. The clinical diagnosis was suspected calcium oxalate raphide poisoning.

     Initial investigations revealed that the wild taro the patient had consumed was picked near her residence. The CHP's investigation is ongoing.

     Taro is a popular ingredient used to prepare various dishes and desserts. However, some plants look like taro but contain toxins which can cause food poisoning. Those containing calcium oxalate raphide (a needle-shaped crystal of the chemical) can injure the skin and mucous membranes and cause irritation, such as numbness and burning sensation of the tongue, mouth and lips, and swelling of the tongue and lips. Consumption of vegetables accidentally mixed with calcium oxalate raphide-containing plants may also cause food poisoning.

     Members of the public should:
 

• Not pick and consume wild plants;
• Purchase vegetables from reliable suppliers; and
• Remove any plants mixed with edible vegetables and wash them thoroughly before cooking and consumption.

     The public may visit the pages on Food Poisoning Related to the Giant Alocasia and Calcium Oxalate Food Poisoning of the Centre for Food Safety of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department for more information and health advice.