39 Sickened in Sha Tin Primary School Food Poisoning Outbreak
HK01 · 6 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
A food poisoning outbreak at Baptist Sha Tin Wai Lui Ming Choi Primary School in Sha Tin has sickened 39 people, including 37 students and two school staff members. The Centre for Health Protection preliminary investigation indicates the illness is linked to braised chicken drumsticks and macaroni provided by the school's lunch catering supplier on September 9. Health authorities have ordered the supplier to suspend operations for thorough cleaning and disinfection.
Key Points
- 39 people affected: 37 students aged 5 to 11 (23 boys, 14 girls) and 2 staff members aged 34 and 38
- Symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea appeared 8 to 22 hours after eating lunch on Wednesday, September 9
- Suspected food items are braised chicken drumsticks and macaroni served by the school's lunch catering supplier
- Two affected students sought medical treatment but none required hospitalization; all remain in stable condition
- Food and Environmental Hygiene Department ordered the supplier to suspend operations on September 12 for cleaning and sample collection
Why It Matters
The incident, occurring just in the second week of the new school year, raises concerns about food safety oversight for school lunch suppliers. The Food Safety Centre's swift action to halt the supplier's operations highlights the need for stricter monitoring of catering contractors serving educational institutions, as similar outbreaks could affect more schools across Hong Kong .