Cholera in tank shuts ParkNShop fish counter

Cholera in tank shuts ParkNShop fish counter

ParkNShop has been ordered to temporarily shut the fish counter at its Tsuen Wan Town store after cholera bacteria was found in a tank.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said the counter will remain closed until all fish tanks are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to meet overall hygiene standards and it is satisfied there is no immediate health hazard.

"Vibrio cholerae cannot survive under high temperatures and can be killed by thorough cooking," a department spokesman said. To prevent cholera risks, shellfish must be washed and scrubbed thoroughly.

Seafood should also be cooked thoroughly before consumption.

Moreover, separate sets of utensils should be used to handle raw and cooked food to avoid contamination, said the spokesman, urging the public to mind both "personal and food hygiene."

This is not the first time the bacteria has been found at a ParkNshop outlet.

In September 2003, the department ordered the temporary closure of its store in Pok Fu Lam after discovering vibrio cholerae in a water sample taken from a fish tank.

After that incident, the chain said it would no longer buy fish from unlicensed Aberdeen harbor wholesalers, although it did not blame them for the bacteria contamination. PHILA SIU