Elderly, children should not eat siu mei: CHP
The Centre for Health Protection on Friday warned that elderly people, children and those with weak immune systems should avoid eating siu mei and lo mei, as such products can easily be tainted with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The popular local delicacies, along with sashimi and salads, are more likely to be contaminated with superbugs than other foods which are heated up before they are eaten, the centre said. Dr Edmond Ma, of the CHP's Infection Control Branch, said vulnerable people like children, the elderly, pregnant women and those who are immuno-compromised need to be extra cautious about what they eat. "Sometimes these bacteria may get inside the body without any symptoms. However, if in the condition that their immunity became weakened, there may be symptoms, of course, for example, they will get infection, they got fever," Ma said.  "If the bacteria get into the blood, they may cause a severe infection, what we call a sepsis. So they have severe infection." Ma added that people should be aware that antibiotic-resistant bacteria can also spread from person to person. "They should take some infection-control measures during taking antibiotics. For example, cover their wounds. When they have respiratory symptoms like a cough, they should wear a mask, wash their hands properly, and also avoid contacting others if they are symptomatic."