A highly popular Causeway Bay izakaya, known for its viral dessert plate art, is now under intense scrutiny after the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) confirmed a food poisoning outbreak involving 12 patrons. Preliminary investigations suggest the incident, which occurred following meals consumed on January 26, 2026, was linked to the consumption of raw seafood, specifically oysters and sashimi. Authorities have identified significant food safety violations concerning potential cross-contamination at the establishment, necessitating an immediate cessation of high-risk food sales.
Outbreak Strikes Viral Dining Spot
The affected individuals, comprising one male and eleven females aged between 25 and 59, reported acute gastroenteritis symptoms—including abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever—within 14 to 51 hours after dining at Iehakuya (家賀屋). While five individuals sought medical attention, and one required hospitalization due to persistent symptoms, all patients are currently reported to be in stable condition, according to the Department of Health. The CHP initiated a thorough epidemiological investigation after identifying two clusters of illness traced back to the same restaurant.
Iehakuya on Jardine Street had previously garnered massive social media attention, particularly on Threads, for an employee named Frankie who offered intricate, hand-drawn dessert plate decorations featuring popular characters like Chiikawa and Labubu. This unique, free service had elevated the izakaya to a sought-after location for birthday celebrations across the city, making the recent food safety breach particularly shocking to its fervent fan base.
Authorities Uncover Critical Safety Breach
Upon receiving notification of the outbreak, the CHP, in collaboration with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), immediately dispatched officers to Iehakuya to investigate the kitchen environment, food handling practices, and overall hygiene standards. Samples of food and environmental swabs were collected for laboratory analysis.
The resulting on-site inspection revealed a critical lapse in food safety protocol: an apparent risk of cross-contamination. Cross-contamination typically occurs when pathogens from raw, ready-to-eat foods (like raw oysters or fish) are inadvertently transferred to non-ready-to-eat foods, sanitized equipment, or staff hands because of poor separation or sanitation practices. This is a common and often fatal factor in outbreaks involving raw seafood.
Following the discovery, the FEHD issued a stern directive, ordering the restaurant to immediately suspend the sale and supply of high-risk items, including raw oysters and sashimi. The establishment was also mandated to conduct a comprehensive cleaning and disinfection of the premises. Furthermore, management and staff were required to undergo specialized training on food safety and environmental hygiene to prevent future incidents. The investigations by both the CHP and FEHD remain active as they work to ensure all safety hazards are eliminated before the prohibited items can be reinstated on the menu.
Public Health Focus on Raw Seafood Risks
The incident at Iehakuya serves as a potent reminder of the inherent risks associated with consuming raw and uncooked seafood. Despite the disappointing news for fans of the highly-rated dining spot, public health remains the priority.
In light of this outbreak, the Department of Health strongly reiterates the essential precautions the public should take when dining out, particularly when ordering raw options:
- Avoid raw seafood such as oysters, sushi, and sashimi, especially during periods of higher risk.
- Patronize licensed and reputable food premises.
- Ensure that any food requiring cooking is thoroughly prepared (e.g., hot pot or barbecue items).
- Vulnerable populations—including the elderly, pregnant women, young children, and immunocompromised individuals—should strictly avoid consuming any raw or undercooked foods.
The saga of the popular izakaya shifting from social media sensation to the center of a health investigation underscores the fundamental importance of food hygiene over aesthetic appeal in the highly competitive Hong Kong dining scene. The restaurant’s reputation now rests on its ability to swiftly and comprehensively rectify the serious safety breaches uncovered by the authorities.