China
HONG KONG – Food Poisoning Outbreak Affects 57 at Local Restaurant
Hong Kong health authorities launched an investigation on Wednesday, January 15 into multiple food poisoning incidents at a Kowloon Bay restaurant that affected 57 people over three separate days.
Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) reported that the cases were linked to meals served at the Golden Lilies International Banquet Hall on Wang Kwong Road during January 8, 9, and 12. The affected individuals, 28 men and 29 women ranging in age from 25 to 91, experienced symptoms including stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever. The symptoms emerged between eight and 74 hours after dining at the restaurant.
Medical attention was sought by 34 of the affected individuals, with two requiring hospitalization. Both hospitalized patients have since been discharged following treatment.
Initial investigations by the CHP and the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) identified several concerning practices at the restaurant. The investigation revealed that certain dishes, particularly “siu mei” (meat cooked on a spit) items such as roasted piglet and chicken, were prepared too far in advance and served without proper reheating. Officials also noted potential cross-contamination risks during food preparation.
In response to these findings, the CFS has implemented immediate corrective measures at the business. The restaurant was ordered to cease serving all siu mei items and suspend that part of its offerings. Additional requirements include thorough cleaning and disinfection of the premises, improvements to food preparation processes, and mandatory food safety education for restaurant staff.
Health authorities have established a dedicated hotline for individuals who dined at the restaurant on the specified dates and subsequently developed gastrointestinal symptoms. The CHP encourages affected patrons to contact the hotline for follow-up and medical surveillance.
The incident remains under active investigation by both the CHP and CFS, with officials noting that the number of affected individuals could increase.
This outbreak has prompted health authorities to reemphasize the importance of proper food handling practices in commercial kitchens, particularly regarding the preparation timing of dishes and the prevention of cross-contamination.
CHP also reminded the public to maintain personal, food, and environmental hygiene when dining out. Recommended actions include:
- Avoid consuming raw seafood.
- Be cautious when selecting cold dishes like sashimi, sushi, and raw oysters, especially at buffets.
- Opt for pasteurized eggs, egg products, or dried egg powder for recipes involving lightly cooked or raw eggs.
- Dine only at reputable, licensed restaurants.
- Properly store and reheat precooked or leftover food before eating.
- Ensure food is thoroughly cooked when enjoying hotpot or barbecue meals.
- Keep raw and cooked foods completely separate during preparation to prevent cross-contamination.
- Use separate chopsticks and utensils for handling raw and cooked foods.
- Avoid buying food from unlicensed street vendors.
- Drink only boiled or properly treated water.
- Don’t rely on salt, vinegar, wine, or wasabi to kill bacteria—they are not effective.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before eating and after using the restroom.
Ethiopia
DESE – Study Reveals High Rates of Drug-Resistant Bacteria in Ethiopian Children
A new study published in BMC Infectious Diseases indicates that approximately 10% of children in Ethiopia carry Salmonella or Shigella bacteria, with most cases involving strains resistant to multiple antibiotics.
Researchers from Wollo University in Ethiopia conducted a comprehensive analysis of 21 studies spanning from 2010 to 2024, examining bacterial infections among Ethiopian children. The research encompassed 5,318 participants and identified 593 bacterial samples, including 309 Salmonella and 284 Shigella isolates.
The analysis found that the overall prevalence of these bacteria ranged from 3.8% to 17.4%, with an average of 10.7%. More concerning was the discovery that 81% of the bacterial strains showed resistance to multiple drugs, according to the confidence interval analysis.
These findings are particularly significant as both Salmonella and Shigella are major contributors to severe diarrheal illness in children under five years old. The research paper notes that these drug-resistant bacteria pose risks not only to children but also to healthcare facilities and communities throughout Ethiopia.
Taiwan
TAIPEI – Norovirus Outbreak Linked to Buffet Restaurant Strikes 77 Diners
Health officials in Taipei confirmed on Tuesday that nine diners tested positive for norovirus following a series of illnesses connected to the INPARADISE buffet restaurant at Breeze Xinyi branch. The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that 77 people who dined at the establishment between January 5-7 experienced symptoms.
CDC spokesperson Tseng Shu-hui detailed the outbreak’s impact, noting that among those affected, 78% experienced diarrhea, 77% had vomiting episodes, 68% reported nausea, 28% developed fever, and 14% suffered from bloating. While all cases were diagnosed as gastroenteritis, none required hospitalization.
Testing continues on both environmental samples and restaurant staff, with results pending to determine the outbreak’s source. Health authorities are investigating whether the transmission occurred through contaminated food or person-to-person contact.
The Taipei City Department of Health responded to initial food poisoning reports on January 7 by ordering the restaurant to cease operations. However, the establishment remained open that evening, resulting in a NT$3 million (US$91,256) fine for non-compliance with the suspension order.
By January 12, the city health department documented 59 individuals who had sought medical care after dining at the restaurant. The discrepancy between this figure and the CDC’s total of 77 cases is attributed to individuals who experienced symptoms but did not seek medical attention.
The restaurant’s operational suspension was lifted at noon on Sunday after implementing required improvements and recording no new cases within a 24-hour period.
To prevent further norovirus transmission, the CDC has advised the public to follow proper hand hygiene practices, particularly before food preparation and eating, after using restrooms, and when caring for patients.
The Netherlands
ZAANDAM – Hepatitis A Outbreak Linked to Supermarket Frozen Blueberries
Dutch health authorities reported on Tuesday that 12 people have contracted hepatitis A from consuming Albert Heijn supermarket’s store-brand frozen blueberries, with officials warning that hundreds more could be affected.
The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) confirmed that two patients required hospitalization due to severe symptoms. The affected individuals range in age from 25 to 77 years old, with the first case identified in late November and additional cases emerging gradually since then.
In response to the outbreak, Albert Heijn has issued a recall for one-kilogram bags of their non-organic frozen blueberries with a best-before date of April 14, 2026. As a precautionary measure, the supermarket chain has removed all one-kilogram packages of frozen blueberries from their stores.
The RIVM traced the contaminated berries to a processing facility in Poland. Health officials believe the contamination likely occurred during packaging due to inadequate hygiene practices, specifically suggesting that the virus spread through human contact rather than irrigation systems.
Hepatitis A has an incubation period of two to six weeks, and symptoms typically persist for about eight weeks. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, fever, and abdominal pain. While many cases may present with mild symptoms, individuals with underlying health conditions face a higher risk of serious illness.
Under Dutch law, all hepatitis A cases must be reported to the RIVM. Health officials note that the current number of confirmed cases may represent only the most severe infections that required medical attention, suggesting the actual number of affected individuals could be significantly higher.
Argentina
PUERTO IGUAZU – Botulism Outbreak from Homemade Pickles Hospitalizes 4
Health officials in Puerto Iguazú, Argentina, have reported a botulism outbreak affecting four visitors to the northeastern city. The cases involve three women and a four-year-old girl from different provinces including Salta, Formosa, San Luis, and Buenos Aires.
According to Javier Ramírez, Director of Epidemiology at the Ministry of Public Health of Misiones, the illnesses were traced to homemade pickled eggplant served at a family gathering. While more than 20 people attended the event, only those who consumed the pickled vegetables became ill.
All four patients are currently receiving intensive care with respiratory support at local hospitals. Medical staff have administered anti-botulinum serum to the patients and are monitoring their conditions.
Argentina’s Ministry of Public Health confirmed that since the contaminated food was homemade and not commercially distributed, there is no broader public health risk.
Botulism is caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. The condition typically begins with facial and neck muscle weakness before progressing to the torso and limbs. The toxin can affect breathing muscles, potentially leading to fatal complications if untreated.
India
HYDERABAD – Hostel Officials Suspended Following Food Poisoning Incident
A case of food poisoning at a girls hostel has led to the suspension of two of the hostel’s managers.
The hostel’s welfare officer and assistant social welfare officer were both temporarily relieved of their duties. Local authorities have also advised that a Deputy Director at the hostel also be suspended for his role in the case.
The incident began on January 8 after 75 students were served a lunch of vegetable rice, tomato soup, and hard boiled eggs. Soon after, five of the students began experiencing food poisoning symptoms of diarrhea and stomach ache.
The affected students were taken to a local medical center for treatment. Two of the students recovered quickly, while the other three did not respond to treatment and were transferred to a larger regional hospital. They were eventually discharged late that evening.
The three officials have been accused of neglecting their duty to inform the appropriate authorities and overall mismanagement of the situation.
Australia
MELBOURNE – Tennis Star Djokovic Claims Food Poisoning During 2022 Australian Detention
Tennis champion Novak Djokovic has revealed new allegations about his 2022 detention in Melbourne, claiming he discovered elevated levels of heavy metals in his system after consuming food at an immigration detention facility, according to a recent article in The Guardian.
In a recently published GQ magazine interview, Djokovic stated that medical tests conducted upon his return to Serbia showed “very high levels of lead and mercury” in his system. The Serbian athlete, who follows a vegan diet, attributed these findings to meals served during his five-day stay at Melbourne’s Park hotel.
Australia’s Department of Home Affairs has declined to comment on these claims, citing privacy considerations. Several health experts have addressed the general possibility of such contamination. One nutritional biochemist noted that Australian food generally contains low levels of heavy metals due to regulations on lead in paint, petrol, and plumbing. She explained that mercury contamination typically requires extended exposure and is most commonly found in fish and shellfish.
The 24-time grand slam winner’s claims emerge as he returns to compete in the 2025 Australian Open. The original incident occurred in 2022 when Australian authorities cancelled Djokovic’s visa twice – first due to an invalid exemption for entering while unvaccinated, and subsequently through a personal intervention by then-immigration minister Alex Hawke, who cited concerns about social cohesion.
During the Covid pandemic, researchers conducted a study examining quarantine food provision. Dr. Catharine Fleming from Western Sydney University reported finding “poor quality” and “ad hoc” food service during this period. The Park hotel, which serves as a detention facility for non-citizens including asylum seekers, had previously received complaints about food quality.
When questioned about these allegations at a Friday press conference in Melbourne, Djokovic noted that the GQ interview was conducted “many months ago” and declined to elaborate further, preferring to focus on the upcoming tournament.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, responding to reporters in Perth, stated he had not seen Djokovic’s comments and wished the player well in the Australian Open.
Djokovic has expressed ongoing stress about arriving at Melbourne’s airport, indicating he still experiences “trauma” from the events three years ago.
