What triggered the oyster sales pause in Hong Kong?

Investigators linked multiple food poisoning Hong Kong clusters to raw oysters. Over three weeks, 34 cases affected 108 people, with 88% tied to norovirus. Chef’s Cuts paused oyster service, and two suppliers were ordered to suspend sales while checks continue. Authorities also advised the public to avoid raw oysters during this period.

How does the Centre for Health Protection advisory affect restaurants?

Venues are urged to avoid serving raw oysters for now, strengthen hygiene, and report clusters promptly. The Centre for Health Protection advisory also pushes better supplier traceability, temperature controls, and staff illness logs. Operators may adjust menus, enhance cleaning, and communicate safety steps to maintain diner confidence and reduce norovirus transmission risk.

Are cooked oysters safe during this period?

Cooking reduces norovirus risk when oysters reach safe internal temperatures. While raw items face temporary caution, cooked seafood dishes are a practical alternative. Diners should choose reputable venues and follow hygiene tips. Restaurants can lower risk by isolating sick staff, improving cleaning, and using separate tools for raw and ready-to-eat foods.

What should investors monitor next?

Watch whether new clusters slow for two straight weeks, whether supplier suspensions are lifted, and if raw oysters return to menus. Also track venue-level disclosures on testing and traceability. Extended suspensions, more clusters, or tighter import checks would signal longer disruption for premium dining and seafood importers in Hong Kong.

Law and Government

Hong Kong Oyster Sales Paused Amid Norovirus Spike — February 10

ByDanny Kontos February 10, 2026February 10, 2026

Hong Kong norovirus concerns intensified on February 10 after regulators probed multiple food-poisoning clusters linked to raw oysters. In the past three weeks, 34 cases affected 108 people, with 88% tied to the virus. Chef’s Cuts paused oyster service, and authorities ordered two oyster suppliers suspended. The timing is sensitive, as Lunar New Year gatherings lift dining traffic. We assess near-term operational risk for restaurants and importers, expected policy steps, and what investors in Hong Kong should watch as menus shift from raw shellfish.