Police find no evidence of tampering in sports drinks

On Wednesday, police announced they found no evidence that anyone had deliberately tampered with the sports drinks given to students near a school athletics event. Sixteen teenagers fell ill on Tuesday after consuming the complimentary beverages provided by a corporation outside Hammer Hill Road Sports Ground as part of a marketing initiative.

Senior Superintendent Hung Ngai of East Kowloon stated the students experienced symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness, but all have since been released from the hospital.

During the investigation, it was discovered that there was no proof of anyone intentionally piercing the plastic bottles. Tests revealed no unusual substances, and there was no indication that any unknown liquids had infiltrated the drinks. Hung explained that the bottles feature a tear-off label design with two dotted lines made up of minute holes to facilitate consumers in easily removing the label for recycling purposes. He added that the bottled beverages were chilled in an iced bath prior to being distributed.

When squeezed, water that had accumulated between the bottle and the label could spray out through the tiny holes, giving the appearance of tampered packaging. Hung suggested that there could be numerous explanations for the students feeling unwell, including the strenuous physical activity during the athletics meet. He mentioned they would continue to investigate the students' past health, their eating habits on that day, and the hygiene of the plastic containers used for the ice bath.