Press Releases

Measures to tackle Vibrio cholerae studied

In response to media enquiries, the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau confirmed that an inter-departmental meeting was held today (September 2) to discuss the recent discovery of Vibrio cholerae in retail fish stalls. The meeting was chaired by the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, and attended by representatives of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), Department of Health, and Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.

The meeting discussed the investigation into the presence of Vibrio cholerae in Parknshop's Pok Fu Lam shop and measures to enhance the quality of fish tank water.

The investigation conducted by the FEHD would take about a week to complete. Depending on the results of the investigation, appropriate measures will be adopted to protect health of the public.

The meeting noted that the FEHD would step up its surveillance of fish tank water. In the next two weeks, health inspectors of the department would inspect all 1,700 or so food businesses selling live fish and take water sample for the testing of Vibrio cholerae.

The Health, Welfare and Food Bureau reiterated that the best safeguard against cholera was to practise good personal, food and environmental hygiene, and cook seafood thoroughly before eating. Public education will be stepped up to promote these good practices.

End/Tuesday, September 2, 2003
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