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Vietnam- Carcinogenic soybean sauce reappears25 Dec 2009VietNamNet Bridge [edited][ProMed]Ho Chi Minh City health inspectors have found carcinogenic 3-MCPD in 2 soybean sauce samples at a company based in Hoc Mon district.HCM City's chief health inspector was quoted as saying they recently tested soybean sauce samples collected from producers across the city and discovered a number of violations.A sample of Sajabean Sauce soybean sauce in a 500 ml plastic bottle produced on [12 Nov 2009] and a sample of Khuong Phat Seasoning Soya Sauce in a 450 ml glass bottle produced on [1 Nov 2009] have traces of 3-MCPD exceeding permitted levels. The protein concentration in these samples does not meet the producer's own published quality standards.Inspectors also discovered 9 samples of soybean sauces from 5 other companies that did not meet quality standards. Some samples were infected with microorganisms. A total of 320 liters of poor quality sauce were seized.Chief health inspector was quoted as saying so far this year [2009], the HCM City Department of Health has inspected nearly 30 soybean sauce companies in the city and discovered violations at 6 of them. Vietnam- Cholera24 Dec 2009VietNamNet Bridge [edited][ProMed]A recent inspection of northern eateries serving dog meat, vegetables and shrimp paste has revealed alarming unhygienic practices and the presence of cholera bacterium in some foods.The deputy head of the Hanoi-based National Institute ofHygiene and Epidemiology was quoted as saying that health inspectors had recently investigated some 30 street eateries selling dog meat in Hanoi.25 of the eateries were found operating without a food safety and hygiene certificate; 15 prepared food next to a restroom; 19 used unwashed raw vegetables; and 27 served day-old meat.More worrying, samples of vegetables, dog meat and shrimp paste taken from restaurants and markets in Hanoi and the northern provinces of Hai Phong, Hai Duong, and Thanh Hoa had tested positive for theVibrio cholera bacterium, the official was quoted as saying.Vietnam- Nutritious porridge contains chemical22 Dec 2009VietNamNet Bridge [edited][ProMed]HCM [Ho Chi Minh] City health inspectors have detected Natri Benzoat [sodium benzoate], a chemical for keeping food fresh, in 4 nutritious porridge samples for children in 19 samples tested, with around 200-300 mg/kg of porridge.HCM City health inspectors said that these producers were wrong because they did not report to the competent agencies of their use of Natri Benzoat. According to a Ministry of Health decision, it is not allowed to add Natri Benzoat to nutritious porridge.The Vietnam Food Standard Committee warns to not use this chemical for food for children less than 12 months old. Thailand- Outbreak of typhoid fever among more than 100 students in Songkhla17 Dec 2009 Southern post [in Thai, trans., edited][ProMed]According to official sources, more than 100 students are hospitalized in Songkhla hospital because of the typhoid outbreak. More than 40 of these students have tested positive for typhoid fever and others are waiting for test results. Most patients feel better and can return home with treatment after receiving injection medication. HONG KONG: CHP investigating noroviral gastroenteritis outbreak11 Dec 2009Web Newswire [edited][FSNet]The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 11) reminded people and management of institutions to strictly observe environmental and personal hygiene to prevent noroviral gastroenteritis.The appeal followed CHPs investigation into a gastroenteritis outbreak affecting 18 residents and two staff of an elderly home in Sheung Shui.The affected group, eight men and twelve women aged between 24 and 101, developed symptoms of gastroenteritis including diarrhoea and vomiting since November 27.Ten of them had sought medical treatment. Among them, eight required hospitalisation. All those affected are in stable condition.The stool samples and rectal swabs of 12 of the affected were tested positive for norovirus.Officers of the CHP had visited the elderly home and provided health advice to staff on proper disinfection, disposal of vomitus and faecal matter, as well as personal and food hygiene.The CHP will closely monitor the institution and provide further advice if necessary.Proper disposal of vomitus and faecal matter and adequate disinfection of the environment are very important in preventing and controlling the spread of the disease, an official was quoted as saying.To prevent the spread of viral gastroenteritis, the public should take the following precautions:* wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating and after using the toilet or handling vomitus or faecal matter;* wear gloves when disposing of vomitus or faeces; and wash hands afterwards;* clean and disinfect contaminated areas or items promptly and thoroughly with household bleach diluted at a ratio of 1:50 (by adding one part of household bleach to 49 parts of water);* maintain good indoor ventilation;* make sure that food, particularly seafood and shellfish, is cooked thoroughly. MALTA:232 cases, 24 outbreaks of food poisoning in six months09 Dec 2009Malta Today [edited][FSNet]232 cases of different forms of food poisoning were reported in the first six months of 2009 of which 24 involved “outbreaks” which infected groups of people.A breakdown of the sources of outbreaks of food poisoning provided by the Health Department shows that the majority of cases (10) occurred in catering establishments like restaurants, takeaways, café. Nine outbreaks of food poisoning occurred in households.Other sources of infection were a supermarket, a camping establishment, a wedding reception and a street fish vendor. In May an outbreak of food poisoning occurred in a detention centre for immigrants and another case outbreak occurred in an unspecified “institution” in April. Australia: Crown food poisoning tests point to virus04 Dec 2009The Age [edited][FSNet]A test result from a person who fell ill after eating at Crown Casino has returned positive for Norovirus.State Government health inspectors have been investigating possible food poisoning at the casino after some of the 160 employees of superannuation fund Unisuper celebrating at a November 26 Christmas break-up suffered stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.A Unisuper spokesman said most of those who had been ill recovered in a day or two, but one manager said he was still feeling ill almost a week after eating seafood at the casino.The manager said the revellers had lamb or chicken as a main course but most had the seafood entree.Related stories03 Dec 2009 Seafood may be cause of mass illness at CrownThe Age [edited][FSNet] NovemberHong Kong-11 foods fail safety tests30 Nov 2009Health & Community [edited][FSNet}Eleven food samples have been found to contain excessive metallic contamination, antioxidants or toxins, the Centre for Food Safety warns.In its October food safety report released today, it said the 10 foods were taken from 4,900 samples of vegetables, fruit, meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products, frozen confections, cereals and grains.One Chinese parsley and two Chinese spinach samples were found to contain cadmium.A fresh beef sample contained sulphur dioxide, and a shredded pork stick had antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene.A sample of swordfish sashimi had excessive mercury, while a sample of fresh lobster contained excessive cadmium. A sample of lo shui cuttlefish had the pathogenStaphylococcus aureus.A rice cracker with peanut had excessive aflatoxins, while a coconut sweet soup with mango and sago was contaminated withSalmonella.Indonesia- Duck farmer suspected of contracting bird flu30 Nov 2009Bird Flu Information Corner [edited]A 37-year-old resident of Tanjuang Durian, suspected to have contracted bird flu [avian influenza A/(H5N1)] virus, [has been] admitted to hospital.The patient is a duck farmer who had been raising hundreds of ducks.He is reported to have found that almost of all his ducks suddenly died. Subsequent to this [event], he buried the dead ducks. He developed high fever at noon the same day, and his family gave him an antipyretic drug, a brand of paracetamol. His fever [increased during] the afternoon and his family took him to a public health center. Australia: Hygiene threatens kangaroo meat industry18 Nov 2009Sydney Morning Herald [edited][FSNet]The kangaroo meat industry's failure to adhere to hygiene regulations is placing public health at risk, a former senior food safety bureaucrat says.Dangerous levels of Salmonella and E. coli have been found in kangaroo meat destined for human consumption, backing up reported claims by a former NSW chief food inspector that the industry is failing to adhere to the Australian standard which determines the conditions under which the animals are harvested, transported and stored.Last year Australia's biggest export market for kangaroo meat, to the Russian Federation, collapsed after a consignment was found to be contaminated with a bacteria the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service had no test in place to detect.Australia- Salmonella claims life of nursing home resident18 Nov 2009The Age [edited][FSNet]Health authorities are investigating a Salmonella outbreak in a Templestowe nursing home after one resident died with the bacteria in his blood on Sunday.A spokesman for the Victorian Department of Health said eight residents at the reported nursing home tested positive to the bacteria last week after they were notified of an outbreak on November 10. The source remains a mystery. Thailand- Cholera13 Nov 2009Pasakorn Akarasewi, Ministry of Public Health [edited][ProMed]Status of current cholera outbreak in Pattani provinceAccording to the most recent information available, from mid-October [2009] till today [13 Nov 2009], there have been 93 people identified to have Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor Ogawa infection. Most of the infected people were fishermen and their family members, who live in fishery communities on the Pattani riverbanks. Among these 93 people, 33 patients sought treatment at local hospitals. Pattani Health Care teams, SRRTs as well as FETP [Field Epidemiology Training Program] team conducted outreach activities aimed at further case detection in the communities. The outreach teams did house to house surveys and interviews. Approximately 500 people (who were at risk of infection) were reached and 393 rectal swabs were collected. Subsequently, 60 positive cultures [Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor Ogawa] were detected. Of these, 46 culture positive individuals never had any diarrhea, and 14 had a mild watery diarrhea.The Pattani health officials made every effort to educate all of the communities, provide soap and concentrated chlorine water, and provide education materials in the local language and in different foreign languages as many of fishermen are non-Thai immigrants, mostly from Myanmar and Cambodia. With cooperation from the fishing boat owners and the fish market operators, surveillance and active case screening have been ongoing. Plans are for continuous monitoring for food safety, and testing for level of chorine in drinking water. Malaysia- Cholera (Terengganu state)13 Nov 2009Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) [edited][ProMed]The cholera outbreak in Terengganu is reported to have become more serious with 11 patients, who showed symptoms of the disease, being tested positive on [Fri 13 Nov 2009].A state health director said a total of 98 people were suspected of having infected after showing symptoms like vomiting and acute diarrhea. Vietnam- Chinese foods sold in Ho Chi Minh City found to have excessive lead12 Nov 2009Saigon Giai Phong (SGGP) Daily [edited][ProMed]The lead content in Chinese-made jams and dried fruits exceeds permitted levels, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health announced [11 Nov 2009] after testing samples taken from some city markets.Of 6 samples of dried fruits and plums health inspectors took from shops in Binh Tay Market in District 6, 5 failed to meet food safety and hygiene standards.Dried fruits and jams were found to have high lead content as well as cyclamate, a prohibited food additive. For instance, Songxinglianggouxilie dried plum contained 0.152 mg/kg of lead and 2.25 per cent of cyclamate while kiwi fruits had 0.128 mg of lead. The permitted level is 0.1 mg/kg, according to the Health Ministry's regulation on [19 Dec 2007]Besides, most of the foodstuffs had no details of origin or production and expiry dates.The head of the DoH's food safety division, Huynh Le Thai Hoa, said after some vendors complained that smuggled dried fruits and jams being sold in Binh Tay Market have not been tested so far, her department has urged the District 6 People's Committee to investigate 22 shops selling such foods in Binh Tay Market and penalize violators.Furthermore, with some vendors packing these foods in small bags to sell at schools, she said inspectors have been ordered to monitor school canteens and streets near schools and destroy dried fruits found lacking information about origin. INDONESIA: One dead, dozens sick after eating contaminated beef11 Nov 2009Jakarta Post [edited][FSNet]
A five-year-old boy has died and dozens of others have fallen ill after consuming contaminated beef in South Timor Tengah in East Nusa Tenggara.Authorities have yet to ascertain the cause of the sickness, saying that anthrax bacterium was one of the possibilities.Vietnam- Rhodamine B Contamination, Dried Melon Seeds11 Nov 2009VietNamNet Bridge [edited][ProMed]Da Nang authorities have uncovered dried melon seeds containing rhodamine B, which is banned for food use.Local authorities have now seized the products.Dried melon seeds are often packed in one kg plastic bags to sell at 90 000-108 000 [USD 5.00-6.00] a pack. Melon seed bags usually include a brand name, distributor name and the place of packaging, but not the origin. Papua New Guinea- Cholera (Madang)09 Nov 2009Radio New Zealand International [edited]The cholera outbreak in Papua New Guinea's Madang is still worsening with more than 300 people now being treated for the illness. An epidemiologist with the World Health Organization was quoted as saying local authorities are still considering whether to declare a public health emergency as has been done in neighbouring Morobe province. Australia- Semi-dried tomatoes linked to Hepatitis outbreak07 Nov 2009ABC News [edited][FSNet]New South Wales Health is warning people not to eat semi-dried tomatoes because of fears they are linked to an outbreak of Hepatitis A.There have been dozens of cases of the virus in Victoria.The Department of Health in Victoria is continuing to investigate the outbreak.Of the more than 80 people diagnosed with the virus, two thirds had eaten semi-dried tomatoes.New South Wales Health has recorded five cases since August. Papua New Guinea- Cholera, diarrhea (Madang)02 Nov 2009The National [edited][ProMed]More than 190 people have been affected by acute watery dysentery while another 8 people, including a child, have been confirmed infected with cholera in Madang province.It was reported that Provincial health coordinator, Markus Katchau, yesterday [1 Nov 2009] declared a dysentery and cholera outbreak in the province during a press conference attended by provincial health authorities and partners. The official said that out of the 15 stool samples sent for laboratory testing, 8 had presumptive evidence of cholera. He said he had also received reports that 17 people in the Usino-Bundi electorate were admitted and treated at different health facilities in the district, while other districts in the province were taking precautionary measures.It was reported that 14 people believed to be students had been diagnosed with acute watery dysentery while another 3 were also diagnosed at a sub-health centre. One died while another was referred to Lae's Angau Hospital.October Papua New Guinea- Cholera (Morobe)19 Oct 2009Radio New Zealand [edited][ProMed]Lae city in Papua New Guinea's Morobe Province has again been put on red alert after 6 people were admitted to the cholera treatment center in a single day late last week. The National newspaper reports that on Thursday, 15 Oct 2009, 6 people were reported to have gone to the centre with symptoms of cholera. Another person was admitted on Friday, 16 Oct 2009. CHINA: 26 hospitalized in suspected food poisoning in Shanghai18.oct.09CriEnglish [edited][FSNet]Qin MeiTwenty-six people were hospitalized after they ate food at a delicatessen Saturday in Shanghai, local authority said.A total of 26 people were sent to the hospital Saturday after they ate food at a delicatessen in Pudong District. They have shown symptoms of nauseation, vomiting and rapid heartbeat, a Pudong District health department official said.They were diagnosed with nitrite poisoning, according to the hospital.One person died in the hospital and 10 people are still receiving treatment there. New Zealand: Stolen butter unsafe to eat - police14.oct.09NZPA [edited] [FSNet]A bulk load of butter stolen from Hawke's Bay industrial park contains Listeria and is not fit to be eaten, police have warned.Thieves broke into the former Whakatu freezing works site between Hastings and Napier on Sunday and took four cartons containing four 2.5kg blocks of butter, an official was quoted as saying. Australia- Health officer issues Hepatitis A warning09 Oct 2009Sydney Morning Herald [edited]Semi-dried tomatoes have been linked to several cases of people being diagnosed with hepatitis A in Victoria this week. Victoria's chief health officer issued a warning on Friday evening [9 Oct 2009] advising people to avoid eating semi-dried tomatoes unless they are thoroughly cooked. The official said the recent spike in cases follows an increase in May [2009] of hepatitis A cases in Victoria and South Australia. The Department of Health and Human Services has received 12 hepatitis Anotifications this week and several people infected have reported eating semi-dried tomatoes.Hepatitis A [virus infection] is spread when traces of faecal matter containing the virus contaminates the hands, objects, water or food and is then taken in by the mouth. Symptoms of the disease include abdominal pain, nausea, fever, chills and jaundice.Related stories 09 Oct 2009- Health officer issues Hep A warningThe Age [edited][FSNet]September China- Food poisoning sickens 76 at kindergarten29 Sep 2009Associated Press [edited][FSNet]Food poisoning sickened 76 students and teachers at a kindergarten in northern China, state media reported Tuesday.The students and teachers at a kindergarten in Inner Mongolia's city of Baotou suffered fever and vomiting after lunching at the school last week, and were treated at a local hospital, the official Xinhua News Agency was reported as saying.Such cases are common in China due to lax food safety standards and shoddy food preparation. The cause of the latest case was not known. Taiwan- Students remain hospitalized in possible food poisoning case28 Sep 2009Taiwan News [edited][FSNet]Nearly 100 elementary school students in Taichung City and County remained hospitalized Monday after falling ill Friday afternoon with symptoms suggesting food poisoning, said Taichung City Public Health Bureau officials.Soon after eating lunch boxes provided by an outside contractor, students at Tanyang and Rueisuei elementary schools in Taichung County and Ssu Chang Li Elementary School in Taichung City were taken to the hospital with fevers, bellyaches, and diarrhea, all signs of food poisoning, the officials said.The bureau has begun laboratory tests on samples from 57 of the hospitalized students to determine the source of their discomfort, and the results are expected to be available within a week.Hong Kong- A case of suspected food poisoning under investigation27 Sep 2009HKSAR Government [edited][FSNet]The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a case of suspected food poisoning involving 12 people and reminded members of the public to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases. The affected people, six males and six females aged between 17 and 60, attended a banquet in a restaurant in Causeway Bay on September 25. They developed abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever three to 21 hours after the banquet.Nine of them sought medical treatment. Hospitalization is not required. Investigation is ongoing. Australia- Salmonellosis16 Sep 2009Fresh Plaza, The Sydney Morning Herald report [edited][ProMed]West Australians have been warned to thoroughly wash papaya following several cases of foodborne illness, including one in which a person required hospital treatment.The WA Department of Health issued a statement on Tuesday [15 Sep 2009] saying 7 cases of salmonellosis linked to the tropical fruit had been uncovered over the past 6 weeks. Singapore- Diarrhea10 Sep 2009Xinhua News Agency [edited][ProMed]Singapore has seen a 50 percent increase in diarrhea cases at local polyclinics in the past week, local media reported on Thu 10 Sep 2009. The country's 18 polyclinics, which are government-owned clinics, treated 2990 patients for acute diarrhea last week [week of 1 Sep 2009], or about 50 percent more than the weekly average of 2072 cases, local newspaper the Straits Times reported.When polyclinics see more than 2668 cases a week, it is considered an epidemic. The last time such an outbreak happened was 2 years ago. Doctors who have seen many more cases than usual in the last 2 weeks, said it appears to be highly contagious. China- 300 people ill in suspected food poisoning in E. China city09 Sep 2009Xinhua News Agency [edited][FSNet]More than 300 employees of a pipe manufacturing company are suspected victims of food poisoning in an east China city Wednesday, local authorities said.The initial investigation showed that the unsanitary conditions in the company's canteen caused the suspected food poisoning, the official said. Japan: All 187 pepper lunch restaurants closed after food poisoning07 Sep 2009Japan Today [edited][FSNet]A company said Monday it has closed all of its 187 steakhouses in Japan the same day after at least 11 customers developed food poisoning. The company, which runs 231 restaurants in Japan including steakhouses and others such as those that specialize in fried pork cutlet dishes, said it plans to clean each outlet and ensure hygiene controls are in place.A total of 11 customers became ill from the O-157 strain of E. coli bacteria after eating diced beefsteak at steak restaurants in seven prefectures including Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, according to the restaurant chain operator and local governments. August Vietnam- Tea additive contains acids, says Hanoi health officials27 Aug 2009Saigon Giai Phong (SGGP) Daily [edited][ProMed]Health inspectors in Hanoi have found dangerous substances in tapioca pearl, a substance used to make pearl milk tea, a popular drink among young people.The city Department of Health told the media on [26 Aug 2009] that its inspectors took samples from a shop selling it and found them containing 1.6 to 2.6 times the benzoic and sorbic acids --preservatives -- permitted by the Ministry of Health.They also took samples of tapioca pearl imported from China from another shop and found them to contain 1.5 times the permitted acid content and 4.9 times the permitted saccharin content. China- 200 Shanxi villagers suffer food poisoning at festival20 Aug 2009Shanghai Daily [edited][FSNet]More than 200 villagers in Pingyao County of north China's Shanxi Province have got food poisoning during a traditional festival.They are being treated in local hospitals and none are critical, sources reported today.Local health authority's investigation found they got sick from home-made meals or meat products bought at local food stands.The county health bureau was alerted to the mass food poisoning yesterday by the hospital where more than 60 villagers visited after complaining of stomach aches and vomitting that morning. Australia-
A five-year-old boy has died and dozens of others have fallen ill after consuming contaminated beef in South Timor Tengah in East Nusa Tenggara.Authorities have yet to ascertain the cause of the sickness, saying that anthrax bacterium was one of the possibilities.Vietnam- Rhodamine B Contamination, Dried Melon Seeds11 Nov 2009VietNamNet Bridge [edited][ProMed]Da Nang authorities have uncovered dried melon seeds containing rhodamine B, which is banned for food use.Local authorities have now seized the products.Dried melon seeds are often packed in one kg plastic bags to sell at 90 000-108 000 [USD 5.00-6.00] a pack. Melon seed bags usually include a brand name, distributor name and the place of packaging, but not the origin. Papua New Guinea- Cholera (Madang)09 Nov 2009Radio New Zealand International [edited]The cholera outbreak in Papua New Guinea's Madang is still worsening with more than 300 people now being treated for the illness. An epidemiologist with the World Health Organization was quoted as saying local authorities are still considering whether to declare a public health emergency as has been done in neighbouring Morobe province. Australia- Semi-dried tomatoes linked to Hepatitis outbreak07 Nov 2009ABC News [edited][FSNet]New South Wales Health is warning people not to eat semi-dried tomatoes because of fears they are linked to an outbreak of Hepatitis A.There have been dozens of cases of the virus in Victoria.The Department of Health in Victoria is continuing to investigate the outbreak.Of the more than 80 people diagnosed with the virus, two thirds had eaten semi-dried tomatoes.New South Wales Health has recorded five cases since August. Papua New Guinea- Cholera, diarrhea (Madang)02 Nov 2009The National [edited][ProMed]More than 190 people have been affected by acute watery dysentery while another 8 people, including a child, have been confirmed infected with cholera in Madang province.It was reported that Provincial health coordinator, Markus Katchau, yesterday [1 Nov 2009] declared a dysentery and cholera outbreak in the province during a press conference attended by provincial health authorities and partners. The official said that out of the 15 stool samples sent for laboratory testing, 8 had presumptive evidence of cholera. He said he had also received reports that 17 people in the Usino-Bundi electorate were admitted and treated at different health facilities in the district, while other districts in the province were taking precautionary measures.It was reported that 14 people believed to be students had been diagnosed with acute watery dysentery while another 3 were also diagnosed at a sub-health centre. One died while another was referred to Lae's Angau Hospital.October Papua New Guinea- Cholera (Morobe)19 Oct 2009Radio New Zealand [edited][ProMed]Lae city in Papua New Guinea's Morobe Province has again been put on red alert after 6 people were admitted to the cholera treatment center in a single day late last week. The National newspaper reports that on Thursday, 15 Oct 2009, 6 people were reported to have gone to the centre with symptoms of cholera. Another person was admitted on Friday, 16 Oct 2009. CHINA: 26 hospitalized in suspected food poisoning in Shanghai18.oct.09CriEnglish [edited][FSNet]Qin MeiTwenty-six people were hospitalized after they ate food at a delicatessen Saturday in Shanghai, local authority said.A total of 26 people were sent to the hospital Saturday after they ate food at a delicatessen in Pudong District. They have shown symptoms of nauseation, vomiting and rapid heartbeat, a Pudong District health department official said.They were diagnosed with nitrite poisoning, according to the hospital.One person died in the hospital and 10 people are still receiving treatment there. New Zealand: Stolen butter unsafe to eat - police14.oct.09NZPA [edited] [FSNet]A bulk load of butter stolen from Hawke's Bay industrial park contains Listeria and is not fit to be eaten, police have warned.Thieves broke into the former Whakatu freezing works site between Hastings and Napier on Sunday and took four cartons containing four 2.5kg blocks of butter, an official was quoted as saying. Australia- Health officer issues Hepatitis A warning09 Oct 2009Sydney Morning Herald [edited]Semi-dried tomatoes have been linked to several cases of people being diagnosed with hepatitis A in Victoria this week. Victoria's chief health officer issued a warning on Friday evening [9 Oct 2009] advising people to avoid eating semi-dried tomatoes unless they are thoroughly cooked. The official said the recent spike in cases follows an increase in May [2009] of hepatitis A cases in Victoria and South Australia. The Department of Health and Human Services has received 12 hepatitis Anotifications this week and several people infected have reported eating semi-dried tomatoes.Hepatitis A [virus infection] is spread when traces of faecal matter containing the virus contaminates the hands, objects, water or food and is then taken in by the mouth. Symptoms of the disease include abdominal pain, nausea, fever, chills and jaundice.Related stories 09 Oct 2009- Health officer issues Hep A warningThe Age [edited][FSNet]September China- Food poisoning sickens 76 at kindergarten29 Sep 2009Associated Press [edited][FSNet]Food poisoning sickened 76 students and teachers at a kindergarten in northern China, state media reported Tuesday.The students and teachers at a kindergarten in Inner Mongolia's city of Baotou suffered fever and vomiting after lunching at the school last week, and were treated at a local hospital, the official Xinhua News Agency was reported as saying.Such cases are common in China due to lax food safety standards and shoddy food preparation. The cause of the latest case was not known. Taiwan- Students remain hospitalized in possible food poisoning case28 Sep 2009Taiwan News [edited][FSNet]Nearly 100 elementary school students in Taichung City and County remained hospitalized Monday after falling ill Friday afternoon with symptoms suggesting food poisoning, said Taichung City Public Health Bureau officials.Soon after eating lunch boxes provided by an outside contractor, students at Tanyang and Rueisuei elementary schools in Taichung County and Ssu Chang Li Elementary School in Taichung City were taken to the hospital with fevers, bellyaches, and diarrhea, all signs of food poisoning, the officials said.The bureau has begun laboratory tests on samples from 57 of the hospitalized students to determine the source of their discomfort, and the results are expected to be available within a week.Hong Kong- A case of suspected food poisoning under investigation27 Sep 2009HKSAR Government [edited][FSNet]The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a case of suspected food poisoning involving 12 people and reminded members of the public to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases. The affected people, six males and six females aged between 17 and 60, attended a banquet in a restaurant in Causeway Bay on September 25. They developed abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever three to 21 hours after the banquet.Nine of them sought medical treatment. Hospitalization is not required. Investigation is ongoing. Australia- Salmonellosis16 Sep 2009Fresh Plaza, The Sydney Morning Herald report [edited][ProMed]West Australians have been warned to thoroughly wash papaya following several cases of foodborne illness, including one in which a person required hospital treatment.The WA Department of Health issued a statement on Tuesday [15 Sep 2009] saying 7 cases of salmonellosis linked to the tropical fruit had been uncovered over the past 6 weeks. Singapore- Diarrhea10 Sep 2009Xinhua News Agency [edited][ProMed]Singapore has seen a 50 percent increase in diarrhea cases at local polyclinics in the past week, local media reported on Thu 10 Sep 2009. The country's 18 polyclinics, which are government-owned clinics, treated 2990 patients for acute diarrhea last week [week of 1 Sep 2009], or about 50 percent more than the weekly average of 2072 cases, local newspaper the Straits Times reported.When polyclinics see more than 2668 cases a week, it is considered an epidemic. The last time such an outbreak happened was 2 years ago. Doctors who have seen many more cases than usual in the last 2 weeks, said it appears to be highly contagious. China- 300 people ill in suspected food poisoning in E. China city09 Sep 2009Xinhua News Agency [edited][FSNet]More than 300 employees of a pipe manufacturing company are suspected victims of food poisoning in an east China city Wednesday, local authorities said.The initial investigation showed that the unsanitary conditions in the company's canteen caused the suspected food poisoning, the official said. Japan: All 187 pepper lunch restaurants closed after food poisoning07 Sep 2009Japan Today [edited][FSNet]A company said Monday it has closed all of its 187 steakhouses in Japan the same day after at least 11 customers developed food poisoning. The company, which runs 231 restaurants in Japan including steakhouses and others such as those that specialize in fried pork cutlet dishes, said it plans to clean each outlet and ensure hygiene controls are in place.A total of 11 customers became ill from the O-157 strain of E. coli bacteria after eating diced beefsteak at steak restaurants in seven prefectures including Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, according to the restaurant chain operator and local governments. August Vietnam- Tea additive contains acids, says Hanoi health officials27 Aug 2009Saigon Giai Phong (SGGP) Daily [edited][ProMed]Health inspectors in Hanoi have found dangerous substances in tapioca pearl, a substance used to make pearl milk tea, a popular drink among young people.The city Department of Health told the media on [26 Aug 2009] that its inspectors took samples from a shop selling it and found them containing 1.6 to 2.6 times the benzoic and sorbic acids --preservatives -- permitted by the Ministry of Health.They also took samples of tapioca pearl imported from China from another shop and found them to contain 1.5 times the permitted acid content and 4.9 times the permitted saccharin content. China- 200 Shanxi villagers suffer food poisoning at festival20 Aug 2009Shanghai Daily [edited][FSNet]More than 200 villagers in Pingyao County of north China's Shanxi Province have got food poisoning during a traditional festival.They are being treated in local hospitals and none are critical, sources reported today.Local health authority's investigation found they got sick from home-made meals or meat products bought at local food stands.The county health bureau was alerted to the mass food poisoning yesterday by the hospital where more than 60 villagers visited after complaining of stomach aches and vomitting that morning. Australia-
