The Centre for Health Protection has confirmed three reports of food poisoning outbreaks, involving 22 people who visited Qingdao in Shandong.

The nine men and 13 women aged seven to 69, were among three tour groups to eat at a hotel on August 3.  Twenty-two developed gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever and vomiting afterwards.

Some sought treatment in Qingdao and six in Hong Kong. All are in stable condition and no hospitalisation was required. Initial investigations suggested that bacteria is the causative agent of the outbreaks.

The centre has contacted 43 tour members and the two travel agencies concerned to give health education. The Ministry of Health has also been notified.