Fiji
SIGATOKA – Seven Hospitalized in Fiji Resort Cocktail Investigation
Seven tourists, including four Australian women, were hospitalized after consuming pina coladas at The Warwick resort in Fiji last Saturday night. The incident has prompted a major investigation by Fijian authorities and raised concerns about drink safety in popular tourist destinations.
The sickened guests experienced severe symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and neurological complications after drinking at one of the five-star resort’s bars. Among those critically affected were a 56-year-old woman now under close medical supervision and a 19-year-old woman in serious condition. Two other Australian women, aged 18 and 49, are also in critical condition, though their situations are considered less severe, according to thenightly.com.
Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation confirmed in a statement that resort management is fully cooperating with the Ministry of Health’s investigation. The Warwick resort has provided CCTV footage to investigators and maintains that no ingredient substitution or drink tampering occurred at their establishment. According to resort officials, the incident was confined to a single bar within the facility.
In response to the situation, Fijian authorities have collected drink samples from the resort and sent them to Australia for comprehensive toxicological analysis to determine the exact cause of the mass illness.
One medical expert noted that the reported symptoms differ from typical methanol poisoning cases. Methanol poisoning typically includes distinctive visual symptoms, such as blurred vision, sensitivity to bright lights, and potential blindness – symptoms that have not been reported in this incident.
Tourism plays a vital role in Fiji’s economy, contributing approximately 40 percent of the country’s GDP, equivalent to $1.7 billion annually. The industry employs over 120,000 people and attracts roughly one million visitors yearly, with Australians comprising nearly half of all tourists. According to the Australian Travel Industry Association, 405,000 Australians visited Fiji in the past year alone.
The Australian government has updated its Smartraveller advisory for Fiji in light of the incident. While maintaining a “normal safety precautions” status, the advisory now includes specific warnings about drink spiking and methanol poisoning risks. Travelers are advised to remain vigilant when consuming beverages and seek immediate medical attention if drink tampering is suspected.
Three of the affected tourists have been discharged from hospital and are preparing to return home, while the remaining four patients are reported to be in stable condition and responding well to medical treatment.
The investigation has drawn attention from Australian government officials who haveacknowledged the concerning nature of the incident. Local officials report that the resort has been transparent throughout the investigation process, providing all necessary materials to authorities to determine the cause of the illness.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of recent concerns about alcohol safety in Southeast Asia. Six international tourists have died in Laos of suspected methanol poisoning in recent weeks.
Medical experts note that Asia experiences the highest prevalence of methanol poisoning globally, with regular outbreaks reported in countries including Indonesia, India, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. According to Medecins Sans Frontieres, these incidents can result in mortality rates between 20 to 40 percent if left untreated.
Safety experts recommend that tourists exercise caution when consuming alcoholic beverages abroad. Basic safety measures include watching drinks being prepared, not leaving beverages unattended, and seeking immediate medical attention if unusual symptoms develop after consuming alcoholic drinks.
In cases where methanol poisoning is suspected, medical professionals advise that consuming safe alcohol like beer or wine may temporarily delay the onset of severe symptoms while seeking emergency medical care.
Hong Kong
HUNG HOM – Health Officials Investigate Multiple Food Poisoning Outbreaks at Same Restaurant
Hong Kong health authorities launched an investigation on December 13 into two related food poisoning incidents that affected eight diners at a prominent Kowloon hotel restaurant. The outbreaks occurred following buffet meals at The Promenade restaurant at Harbour Grand Kowloon, located in the Hung Hom district.
Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) reported that the first incident affected two patrons who dined at the restaurant on December 7. A 47-year-old male and 69-year-old female experienced symptoms including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea approximately 30 to 36 hours after consuming their meal.
A second, larger outbreak occurred among six diners who visited the restaurant on December 9. The group, consisting of two males and four females ranging in age from 26 to 60 years old, developed similar symptoms between 30 to 46 hours after their meal. Additionally, these patients reported fever among their symptoms.
While seven of the affected individuals sought medical attention, none required hospitalization. Preliminary investigations by health officials indicated that raw oysters were a common food item consumed by the affected diners, with initial findings suggesting norovirus as the potential cause.
In response to the incidents, Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety (CFS) dispatched personnel to conduct a thorough inspection of the restaurant. Officials collected food samples for laboratory analysis and ordered the immediate suspension of potentially contaminated food items from the menu. The restaurant was also instructed to perform comprehensive cleaning and disinfection procedures, while staff received additional training on food safety and environmental hygiene protocols.
The investigation remains active, with health authorities acknowledging the possibility of additional cases emerging. The CHP has issued an advisory urging anyone who dined at The Promenade between December 7 and 9 to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms.
The health agencies also advised the public of the critical importance of proper food handling and hygiene practices in preventing foodborne illnesses. Key recommendations include avoiding raw seafood consumption, selecting pasteurized egg products, patronizing only licensed establishments, ensuring thorough cooking of all foods, maintaining strict separation between raw and cooked items, and practicing proper hand hygiene before meals and after restroom use.
Health officials noted that common misconceptions about food safety, such as using salt, vinegar, wine, or wasabi to eliminate bacteria, are ineffective methods of preventing foodborne illness. Instead, they stressed the importance of following established food safety guidelines and choosing reputable dining establishments.
Vietnam
HO CHI MINH CITY – Street Food Maintains Tourist Appeal Despite Safety Concerns
International tourists continue to embrace Vietnamese street food culture despite recent high-profile food poisoning incidents at popular destinations. The diverse culinary landscape, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, attracts visitors seeking authentic local experiences at affordable prices, according to VNExpress.
Recent cases have highlighted safety concerns in the industry. In September 2023, 150 people, including 33 foreigners, became ill after eating at the renowned Phuong banh mi shop in Hoi An. The bakery received a VND96 million (US$ 3,935) fine and a three-month closure. Two months later, 342 people suffered food poisoning at Co Ba’s banh mi shop in Vung Tau, resulting in a VND125 million (US$ 4,907) fine and five-month closure.
One tourist who visited Ho Chi Minh City for a five-day culinary exploration, sampled various dishes including sticky rice, pho, banh mi, and grilled foods from both restaurants and street vendors. She noted that vendors wore protective gear like masks and gloves during food preparation, and the offerings featured fresh vegetables.
An American tourist spent a week in Ho Chi Minh City discovering local cuisine. He highlighted the affordability of street food, noting that VND100,000 (less than US $4) provides access to numerous traditional dishes including banh mi, pho, noodles, wontons, banh xeo (sizzling thin pancake with fillings), and banh can (thick pancake with toppings).
According to a local culinary expert, Vietnam’s hot climate poses challenges for food safety, particularly when items are stored at room temperature for extended periods. The mobile nature of street food stalls often limits access to essential utilities like electricity, water, and sanitation facilities. The expert recommends establishing designated areas for vendors to better regulate ingredient sourcing, preparation, and storage practices.
The World Food Travel Association reports that international tourists typically allocate 25% of their travel budget to food expenses, surpassing spending on accommodation or shopping. Their research indicates that 81% of international travelers view local cuisine exploration as fundamental to understanding cultural identity.
A Ho Chi Minh City tour company specializing in street food experiences reports that their clientele consists primarily of foreign visitors seeking authentic cultural encounters. The company implements safety measures by identifying vendors that meet quality standards and requiring food sample storage as a precautionary step.
A representative from Vietnam’s Center for Sustainable Tourism Research and Development at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Ho Chi Minh City said that street food serves as a significant tourist attraction. However, maintaining food safety standards remains crucial for building confidence in Vietnamese cuisine.
Along with establishing dedicated zones for street food vendors, additional recommendations from food and tourism professionals include implementing comprehensive food safety training programs for vendors to maintain quality standards while preserving the authentic street food experience that draws international visitors.
Commenting on this article, the nation’s leading food poisoning lawyer said, “The popularity of street food in Asia is a great example of how it’s important to strike a balance between maintaining authentic cultural experiences while also ensuring the highest standards of food safety. The result should lead to even more visitors who are curious to sample the diverse cuisines of different cultures.”
