Hong Kong investigates flight-related food poisoning cases

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) in Hong Kong is investigating reports of food poisoning involving passengers on flights from Nepal.

A total of 36 people have fallen ill on two Cathay Pacific flights from Kathmandu to Hong Kong.

The first cluster of patients developed food poisoning symptoms, including vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and fever, about 10 to 30 minutes after having meals served on a flight on Jan. 8.

After speaking with people on an exchange trip to Nepal, initial investigations pointed to takeaway chicken, cucumber and tomato sandwiches with salad dressing and French fries eaten about two hours before boarding the flight.

However, the number of affected people increased to 16. Nine were from the same exchange group and the remaining seven do not know each other. Those who were not part of the exchange group had not consumed any common food before boarding.

The second cluster, reported on Jan. 9, includes 14 men and six women aged between 11 and 51 from eight families and groups who do not know each other. 

Thirteen of them sought medical advice upon landing but none required hospitalization. Other than food served on the flight, the CHP’s investigation revealed they had not consumed any common food before getting on the plane.

Beetroot salad sales suspended
Bread, fruits, beetroot salad, lamb rice, chicken rice and ice cream were common items served on the flights. Officials have taken samples from the same batch of food that was not given to passengers on either flight.

CHP and the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) inspected Cathay Pacific Catering Service, which supplied the food, to examine the preparation process and hygiene. This found food was stored at an appropriate temperature and in the correct manner.

However, as the beetroot salad requires more manual preparation and does not need to be reheated before consumption, the CHP has ordered its supply to be suspended as a precaution.

CHP has reported the cases to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Nepalese health authority, and asked whether there are any reports from other places of food poisoning among passengers on flights from Nepal to destinations other than Hong Kong.

In another incident, a number of United Airlines employees fell sick after a company-provided meal during the Christmas period.

Citing United Airlines’ records, the Association of Flight Attendants reported there were 492 meals served to flight attendants over the Christmas holiday in Denver. Of those given a meal, there were 24 reports of symptoms consistent with food poisoning.

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