The Centre for Health Protection is investigating a suspected food poisoning outbreak involving 22 people who fell ill after eating take-away food from a Ma On Shan restaurant.

The nine men and 13 women, aged four to 75, developed gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain, after their meals between August 31 and September 3.

Seven consulted private doctors and 15 sought treatment at the Prince of Wales, Queen Elizabeth and United Christian Hospitals. None required hospitalisation.

Bacteria is the likely cause of the outbreak. Investigations continue.

The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department has ordered the restaurant to close temporarily for thorough cleansing and disinfection.