The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) said in a statement yesterday that it received a report from the Health Bureau (SSM) on Tuesday about four customers who after having dinner in the “Hotspot” restaurant on Avenida Dr Sun Yat-Sen in Nape felt discomfort and came down with gastroenteritis.
The statement quoted the Health Bureau as saying that the four diners, who ate raw crab and raw shrimp, marinated with soy sauce and wine (also known as “drunken” crab and “drunken” shrimp) during their meal at the eatery on Sunday evening, gradually came down with symptoms, such as fever, vomiting and diarrhoea, on Monday.
According to an epidemiological investigation conducted by the Health Bureau, based on the patients’ eating records, incubation period and symptoms, the statement said, the case was possibly caused by a bacterial pathogen.
After receiving the report, the statement noted, IAM officials were immediately sent to inspect the restaurant and take food samples for examination. The statement said that the officials found the food was stored incorrectly at the wrong temperature, adding that the temperature in some of the fridges was higher than the correct refrigeration temperature, and the eatery’s food preparation areas and processes were found to be prone to cross-contamination.
The statement underlined that the bureau has ordered the restaurant to carry out deep cleaning and disinfection of areas for food preparation, storage, facilities and appliances, and suspend the supply of food involved in the case. At the same time, the statement added, the eatery’s employees are required to attend food and hygiene courses, in order to strengthen their awareness of food and personal hygiene.
The bureau reminded the food sector and the public that “drunken” seafood, such as shrimp and crab, that has not been thoroughly cooked is high-risk food. Due to inappropriate preparation and storage, food safety and hygiene problems may arise. The bureau urged senior citizens, pregnant women, young children and people with weakened immune systems to avoid eating raw seafood.
This photo taken last night shows the “Hotspot” restaurant on Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen in Nape. – Photo: Maria Cheang Ut Meng
