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All the 965 samples for radioactive examination were found to be within acceptable level.
Regarding food poisoning, the incidence rate (i.e. number of cases per 100,000 population) increased from 3.25 in 1995 to 4.98 in 1996. However, the number of people affected dropped from 1970 to 1820. The incidence rate due to pesticide contaminated vegetables also decreased by more than half in 1996 when compared with 1995 and the number of persons affected dropped from 48 to 8.
More than 80% of the food poisoning outbreaks were due to bacterial contamination. The public are reminded to observe strict personal and environmental hygiene when preparing food, particularly in the summer months.
It was noted that the number of food poisoning outbreaks related to meals taken in food premises was on the increase. Investigation revealed that most of these cases were due to improper handling and storage of food and hygienic food preparation practices.
Separately, the number of food complaint cases rose from 367 in 1995 to 641 in 1996. Dr Leung said that the great increase was due to the growing awareness of the public over food hygiene and the strengthening of publicity on how to lodge food complaints. Commenting on the nature and subjects of complaints, he said that most of the substantiated ones were made against the presence of foreign substances in foods consumed in food premises.
Dr Leung said: "Although the overall situation is still acceptable, the Department's Hygiene Division will step up health education work in 1997 among the management and operational levels of food premises in the light of the findings pertaining to food poisoning and food complaint cases."
Focus will be on hygienic handling and processing of foods to prevent cross contamination.
Other initiatives will include publishing a "Food News", preparing guidelines or codes of practice on food safety for food traders and organising training courses for the trade, he added.
End