Health officials in Hong Kong are investigating a growing cluster of food poisoning cases linked to raw oyster consumption, with a recent outbreak at Chef’s Cuts restaurant in the AIRSIDE mall bringing the total number of affected establishments to four in the last week. Six diners who ate at Chef’s Cuts on January 30 reported symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever, though all remain in stable condition. The Center for Health Protection is urging caution as investigations continue into the source of the contamination and restaurants are temporarily suspending raw oyster sales [[1]], [[2]].
Health officials are investigating a cluster of food poisoning cases linked to raw oysters served at a Hong Kong restaurant, marking the fourth such incident in the past week. Six people became ill after dining at Chef’s Cuts in the AIRSIDE mall on Saturday, January 30.
Six Diners Report Illness After Meal at Chef’s Cuts, All Remain Stable
Two men and four women, aged 29 to 35, began experiencing symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, and fever approximately 11 to 37 hours after eating at Chef’s Cuts in the AIRSIDE mall on January 30, according to the Centre for Health Protection. One affected individual sought medical attention but was not hospitalized. All those impacted are currently in stable condition.
Health Officials Collect Samples, Restaurant Told to Halt Oyster Sales
Preliminary investigations indicate that all affected diners consumed raw oysters at the restaurant. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Food Safety Centre have launched an investigation, examining food handling procedures and hygiene practices at Chef’s Cuts. Food samples have been collected for testing.
The Food Safety Centre’s on-site investigation suggests the illnesses may be linked to the consumption of raw food. The restaurant has been instructed to immediately suspend the sale of implicated food items, thoroughly clean and disinfect the premises, and provide food safety and hygiene education to its staff.
Recent Cases Point to Pattern of Oyster-Related Illnesses
Chef’s Cuts is the fourth restaurant in the past week to be linked to food poisoning cases involving raw oyster consumption. On January 29, the Centre for Health Protection reported that 12 people fell ill after eating oysters and sashimi at Ka Ho House in Causeway Bay. On February 1, the agency announced that one man and three women experienced similar symptoms after dining at L’Amour, a French restaurant in Lan Kwai Fong, on January 27, and had both oysters and salad. Late on February 2, officials reported that two men and four women became sick after eating at a Korean restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui on January 28 and 29, consuming pre-shelled oysters and fermented crab as part of their meal.
