A suspected carbon monoxide poisoning occurred among diners in the "Old Beijing" Chinese restaurant in Wan Chai. The Center for Health Protection of the Department of Health stated that a group of 14 people ate charcoal hot pot in the same room of the restaurant that night. They felt unwell and were sent to the hospital about 2 hours later. Initial investigations revealed that the restaurant The room has air conditioning, but all windows in the room are closed.
Seven of the 14 people are still in hospital today and are in stable condition.
The FEHD stated that it had dispatched staff to inspect the restaurant and found that the restaurant was suspected of using charcoal as fuel without approval, and that there were more than 4 people involved. Limited to 2 persons per unit, for a period of 7 days.
The Chinese restaurant involved in the "Old Beijing" in Wanchai was closed today.
(Photo by Chen Haoran)
14 people in the same room, 4 people need hyperbaric oxygen treatment
The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health stated that the case involved a group of 14 people, including 6 men and 8 women, aged between 23 and 39. They ate hot pot and used charcoal in the same room of a restaurant on Lockhart Road, Wan Chai last night (6th). Used as cooking fuel.
About 2 hours after dinner, they developed unconsciousness, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, headache, shortness of breath, and palpitations. They were sent to Ruttonjee Hospital and Queen Mary Hospital for treatment. One of them went to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for medical treatment. Four patients were subsequently transferred to Eastern District Hospital for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
The Hospital Authority stated that 2 men and 5 women diners are still in hospital today and their condition is stable.
The room is air-conditioned but the windows are all closed
The CHP stated that preliminary investigations showed that when they ate hot pot, although the restaurant room was air-conditioned, all the windows in the room were closed and the door was closed for a long period of time, which may increase the carbon monoxide level in the room.
The investigation continues, and the Centre for Health Protection has also notified the FEHD of the incident.
FEHD: Involving unauthorized use of charcoal and more than 4 people per unit
A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said that the premises involved held a general restaurant license issued by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. Business Regulations (Chapter 132X).
The premises were also suspected of having more than four people sitting at the same table, violating the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulations and Instructions) (Business and Premises) Regulations (Chapter 599F).
The Department stated that it has initiated prosecution procedures against the responsible person for the above-mentioned violations.
The FEHD also stated that the premises must also take corresponding measures to reduce the risk of transmission from now on, including suspending dine-in food from 6 pm to 4:59 am the next day, and arranging no more than two people to sit at the same table for a period of time 7 days.
The Department also stated that it would continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate actions. According to records, the Department’s last inspection of the premises was dated August 24, during which no irregularities (including ventilation system requirements) were found.
The FEHD urges the responsible persons and employees of catering premises to work together and perseverely abide by the relevant regulations of the Food Business Regulations and the Prevention and Control of Diseases to protect the safety of employees, customers and the general public. The public must also comply with catering Regulations and instructions regarding group gathering in business premises.
14 diners in "Old Beijing" in Wanchai have carbon monoxide poisoning
High levels of carbon monoxide can be fatal
The Center for Health Protection stated that carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It is a by-product of incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels (such as wood, natural gas, and gasoline).
People exposed to low levels of carbon monoxide may experience symptoms such as dizziness, headache, fatigue, and nausea; while people exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide may experience symptoms such as visual impairment, coordination disorders, loss of consciousness, brain damage, and even death.
The Centre for Health Protection reminded the public to use fuel-igniting devices with good exhaust in well-ventilated areas.
The public should seek medical advice immediately if they suspect symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
If the patient is in serious condition, unconscious or not breathing, he should call the 999 emergency hotline immediately.
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