CHP investigates two epidemiologically linked food poisoning clusters
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 3) investigating two epidemiologically linked food poisoning clusters affecting a total of seven persons. The CHP reminded the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent foodborne diseases.
The two clusters involve one male and six females, aged between 21 and 67. They developed diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting and fever approximately 13 to 44 hours after having a buffet at The Astor, B1/F, Eaton Hong Kong, 380 Nathan Road, Yau Ma Tei on August 29 and 30 respectively. Four of the affected persons sought medical advice but did not require hospitalisation. They are currently in stable condition.
Officers of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (including personnel of the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) and the Environmental Hygiene Branch) and the CHP conducted a joint investigation, and examined the food handling processes and hygiene at the restaurant. Environmental samples were also collected for testing. The CFS immediately instructed the restaurant to suspend serving the incriminated food items, and to carry out cleaning and disinfection of the premises. The officers have also provided health education related to food safety and environmental hygiene to the staff of the premises.
The investigation of the CHP and the CFS is ongoing.
To prevent foodborne diseases, members of the public are reminded to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times. When dining out, one should:
- Avoid eating raw seafood;
- Be a discerning consumer in choosing cold dishes, including sashimi, sushi and raw oysters at a buffet;
- Choose pasteurised eggs, egg products or dried egg powder for dishes that often use undercooked eggs;
- Patronise only reliable and licensed restaurants;
- Ensure food is thoroughly cooked before eating during a hotpot or barbecue meal;
- Handle raw and cooked foods carefully and separate them completely during the cooking process;
- Use two sets of chopsticks and utensils to handle raw and cooked foods;
- Avoid patronising illegal food hawkers;
- Drink boiled water;
- Susceptible populations, including those with weakened immunity, the elderly, pregnant women and young children, are at a higher risk of foodborne diseases, so they should not consume raw or undercooked foods;
- Refrain from trying to use salt, vinegar, wine or wasabi to kill bacteria as they are not effective; and
- Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet.
Source: AI-found images
Third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest continues fashion momentum by presenting “Hong Kong Fashion Fest Gala 2026” and “Fashion Summit (Hong Kong) 2026”
Spearheaded and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest continued the momentum by presenting two flagship programmes today (September 3), namely, “Hong Kong Fashion Fest Gala 2026” and “Fashion Summit (Hong Kong) 2026”. This brought together global fashion industry leaders and emerging Asian design talent to further consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a fashion design hub in Asia.
Organised by the Hong Kong Fashion Council, the “Hong Kong Fashion Fest Gala 2026” gathered leaders from local, Asian, and international fashion industries. Centred on fashion, culture and creative exchanges, this year’s Gala featured the “10 Asian Designers to Watch Fashion Show and Award Presentation Ceremony”, which honoured outstanding designers from across Asia for their refined craftsmanship and distinctive aesthetic vision. The cross-cultural showcase highlighted Hong Kong’s important position as an Asian fashion hub and an international creative capital.
Officiating and speaking at the Gala, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, said that the event successfully gathered guests from Hong Kong and beyond to witness the unique pulse of Hong Kong fashion and the East-meets-West synergy. With continued support from the Government, Hong Kong Fashion Fest has entered its third edition, as the local creative ecosystem thrives and fashion design emerges as a driving force. She noted that the “10 Asian Designers to Watch Fashion Show” demonstrated fashion’s unique ability to resonate with and connect people across cultures. She congratulated the 10 awarded designers, and invited everyone to immerse themselves in the array of fashion events taking place across the city these two weeks.
Organised by the Clothing Industry Training Authority as one of the leading sustainable fashion events in Asia, “Fashion Summit (Hong Kong) 2026” adopted the theme “Code the Fashion Forward” this year, bringing together global fashion groups, innovation pioneers, international environmental organisations, and industry leaders to discuss the latest trends, innovative technologies, and solutions in sustainable fashion, and to explore the future development and possibilities of the industry. The “Fashion Summit (Hong Kong) 2026 – Hong Kong Exhibition” is also being held with free admission at Jardine House in Central from today to September 14, showcasing sustainable design works created by 20 local fashion designers.
Addressing the Fashion Summit (Hong Kong) 2026 International Conference, the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, remarked that “Fashion Summit (Hong Kong) 2026” was once again one of the flagship programmes of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, and had become a leading platform for industry practitioners to exchange ideas, explore opportunities, and advance sustainable fashion. He added that this year’s theme was both timely and thought-provoking, emphasising that technology should not only drive business growth, but also help the industry move towards greater sustainability.
For details of the two flagship programmes and more information on Hong Kong Fashion Fest, please visit hongkongfashionfest.com, and follow the official social media channels.
