HONG KONG – Distressing Food Poisoning Incident

In a distressing turn of events, a second wave of food poisoning has struck Cathay Pacific flight CX640 from Kathmandu (KTM) to Hong Kong (HKG) on Thursday, January 9, impacting fifteen passengers, just a day after the initial outbreak affected ten individuals.

Immediate Medical Intervention Required

Upon landing at 5 am, five of the newly affected passengers – four men and one woman – required immediate medical intervention at North Lantau Hospital. Their symptoms raised alarms about the quality and safety of in-flight meals, especially considering this incident is part of a larger concerning trend in aviation food safety.

Initial Outbreak Details

The initial outbreak on Wednesday saw ten passengers, comprising six men and four women aged 21 to 38, fall ill shortly after consuming in-flight meals. Symptoms emerged within mere minutes of eating, sparking an urgent investigation.

Potential Causes of the Outbreak

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has pinpointed pre-flight takeaway meals as the potential culprits. Nine of Wednesday’s affected passengers ate identical chicken, cucumber, and tomato sandwiches, about two hours prior to boarding. The CHP is now tasked with determining if Thursday’s cases originated from these sandwiches or from another source.

Investigation Ongoing

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the fifteen passengers who fell ill on Thursday ingested the same contaminated sandwiches. To assist with the ongoing investigation, the CHP is collecting in-flight meal samples for laboratory testing to ensure a thorough analysis.

Cathay Pacific’s Response

In response to the health crisis, Cathay Pacific's crew activated immediate assistance protocols for the initial ten affected passengers and worked closely with Hong Kong medical teams. The airline is implementing comprehensive disinfection measures for the aircraft and has launched an internal investigation into the food poisoning incidents, demonstrating a commitment to passenger safety.

Broader Aviation Food Safety Issues

This isn’t the first time airlines have faced food safety issues. Recently, United Airlines experienced a severe food poisoning outbreak at Denver International Airport that affected over 200 flight attendants and employees after a holiday meal. The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA confirmed the connection between the meal and the illness.

Recent Food Safety Incidents in Aviation

Moreover, the aviation sector has had its fair share of food safety troubles throughout late 2024. In October, Delta Air Lines halted hot meal services on over 200 flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport due to concerns about safety at a local catering facility. That kitchen facility was soon closed by the airline.

Then in November 2024, multiple cases of food poisoning were reported involving international flights arriving at Tokyo’s Narita Airport from Guam, with Japan Airlines and United Airlines both reporting ill passengers. This outbreak appeared to source from Guam rather than the flights themselves, as many passengers showed symptoms even before their departure.

Looking Ahead: Passenger Health in Aviation

As passengers and authorities on both sides of the globe await further details on these incidents, the spotlight is now on the aviation industry's protocols for food safety and passenger health. The situation is evolving, and travelers are advised to remain cautious. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops!