Hong Kong students told to avoid ordering takeaway food on mainland China trips

Students from Hong Kong should refrain from ordering food and drinks through delivery platforms during trips to mainland China in the new academic year, in light of reports that more than 100 pupils taking part in such tours developed gastroenteritis symptoms, according to a new official guide.

Students were also advised not to go to the gym or use recreational facilities in hotels to ensure they have sufficient rest the following day, according to education authorities.

The Education Bureau recently uploaded a document for schools in a “frequently asked questions” format for such trips in the new academic year.

Trips to the mainland are mandatory for a new core subject for senior secondary school students. The subject was implemented in September 2021 after the city’s social unrest in 2019, to boost youngsters’ understanding of mainland China and patriotism.

More than 140,000 students joined the trip from 2022, spending between two and five days on these excursions.

At least ten secondary schools reported that more than 100 students joining past trips had developed gastroenteritis symptoms, sparking concerns over food hygiene on the mainland, with Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin attributing it to the humid weather leading to widespread bacteria.

In the new document, the bureau said students should not buy food from the platforms as the trip already covered their meal arrangements.