What do we know about the Cafe de Coral Mei Foo incident?

Health authorities linked two clusters to the Mei Foo branch, with eight diners reporting illness 10 to 29 hours after eating. One stool sample tested positive for Salmonella. Investigators cited cross-contamination risk, halted implicated menu items, ordered disinfection, and required staff retraining while the FEHD continues its probe.

What is Salmonella and when do symptoms typically appear?

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In this case, reported symptoms appeared 10 to 29 hours after meals. Generally, symptoms often show within a day or two. Anyone feeling unwell should seek medical advice and avoid preparing food for others until recovered.

What should diners who recently ate at the Mei Foo branch do?

If symptoms develop, seek medical care and mention recent dining history. Keep receipts or transaction records and report the case to the FEHD via hotline or online form. Avoid self-medicating without guidance, stay hydrated, and follow medical advice on stool testing and work or school leave.

What are the key signals for investors following this case?

Watch FEHD updates, any enforcement actions, and the outlet’s operational steps, including staff retraining and sanitation changes. Track footfall, delivery ratings, and refund trends. Clear communication and visible controls can limit brand damage. Prolonged headlines or additional cases would raise the risk of broader, short-term demand pressure.

Law and Government

December 31: Cafe de Coral Mei Foo Salmonella Probe Hits Brand Risk

ByHuzaifa Zahoor December 31, 2025December 31, 2025

Cafe de Coral food poisoning at the chain’s Mei Foo branch has triggered a formal probe in Hong Kong. Health authorities reported two linked clusters, with eight diners falling ill 10 to 29 hours after eating. One stool sample tested positive for Salmonella, pointing to possible cross-contamination. The FEHD investigation ordered a halt to implicated dishes, full disinfection, and staff retraining. For investors, the timing is sensitive, with peak year-end demand. We assess brand risk, operations, and what to monitor next.