China
HONG KONG – Food Poisoning Cases Attributed to Airline Salad
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of Hong Kong’s Department of Health has concluded its investigation into two food poisoning incidents on Cathay Pacific flights from Kathmandu to Hong Kong in early January 2025. The investigation identified beetroot salad contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus as the likely cause of the outbreak.
Forty-three passengers aboard flight CX640, arriving on January 8 and 9, experienced symptoms including vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea within 10 to 60 minutes of consuming their in-flight meals. The affected passengers, ranging in age from 11 to 75 years old, included 22 men and 21 women. None required hospitalization.
Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in stool samples from two affected passengers. The symptoms and incubation period observed in the cases aligned with typical Staphylococcus aureus food poisoning characteristics.
In response to the investigation, Cathay Pacific has removed the implicated beetroot salad from all flights and implemented enhanced food safety measures. The airline noted that its internal laboratory testing of 57 samples showed no contamination, but they have adopted all recommendations from the CHP to strengthen their food handling processes and staff training.
The airline confirmed that the beetroot salad was only served on the affected Kathmandu-Hong Kong route, with no similar incidents reported on other flights. Cathay Pacific has issued an apology to all passengers affected by the incident and stated they have fully cooperated with health authorities throughout the investigation.
Australia
SYDNEY – Three Hospitalized for Suspected Botulism
Three people have been hospitalized in Sydney with suspected cases of botulism following anti-wrinkle injections administered at a private residence, according to the Guardian. In response, Australian health authorities have issued warnings about the risks of unregulated cosmetic procedures.
A 51-year-old woman remains in intensive care after receiving an anti-wrinkle injection at a home in Guildford, New South Wales (NSW) on January 11. According to NSW police, she was initially admitted to a first hospital before being transferred to a second one. As of Saturday, she was in stable condition under intensive care.
Two additional individuals who received similar injections at the same residence on the same day were also admitted to the hospital. NSW Health confirmed that one of these individuals was diagnosed with botulism, while the other was being treated for suspected botulism.
Authorities, including NSW Health, the Health Care Complaints Commission, and NSW Police, are investigating the incident. NSW Police acknowledged a complaint regarding a cosmetic procedure performed at the Guildford residence.
Botulism is caused by a toxin that affects the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, drooping eyelids, blurred vision, and respiratory issues. NSW Health has advised that symptoms can emerge up to two weeks after exposure.
Medical professionals reiterated the dangers associated with unregulated cosmetic injections, emphasizing that improper use of such treatments could lead to severe health consequences, including death.
Authorities have urged the public to be aware of botulism symptoms and to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any related health issues.
While a valid prescription from an authorized prescriber, such as a doctor, is required for anti-wrinkle injections, the individuals administering these treatments are not mandated to undergo specialized cosmetic injectable training beyond their general healthcare qualifications. This allows doctors, dentists, and nurse practitioners to legally perform the procedures.
NSW Health continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the suspected botulism cases and is working to identify any further risks to public health. Authorities are advising individuals to ensure they receive cosmetic treatments only from accredited professionals to minimize potential health risks.
Sinapore
SINGAPORE – Cheese Recalled Due to Listeria Contamination
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has initiated a recall of Nangis Lait Cru Truffe Noire 3% soft cheese from France due to concerns about potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, is particularly dangerous for certain vulnerable populations. Pregnant individuals, people aged 65 or older, and those with weakened immune systems are at highest risk. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, sometimes preceded by gastrointestinal symptoms. In pregnant individuals, listeriosis can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infections in newborns.
The importer, Cheese Shop Pte. Ltd., has been directed by the SFA to remove the impacted product from retail sale.
As with all food recalls, consumers are advised to discontinue use and return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of Listeria infection should contact their medical provider immediately.
Malaysia
SABAH – 5 Cases of Pufferfish Poisoning Reported
Malaysian health authorities are reporting five confirmed cases of pufferfish poisoning between January 10 and January 24, 2025.
The victims, aged between 15 and 48, experienced a number of symptoms consistent with pufferfish poisoning including diarrhea, dizziness, numbness in extremities, and difficulty breathing.
Three of those poisoned were discharged after treatment but two victims remain hospitalized in stable condition.
Health officials have urged the public to avoid the consumption of seafood containing the tetrodotoxin found in pufferfish and other animals.
Taiwan
TAICHUNG – Hotel Restaurant Closed After Food Poisoning Incident
Fourteen guests who experienced suspected food poisoning at the Lin Hotel in Taichung have been discharged from local hospitals according to the Taichung City Government. The incidents occurred following meals served at the hotel on Friday last week.
Thirteen patients received treatment at Taichung Veterans General Hospital’s Emergency Medicine Department, while one patient was treated at China Medical University Hospital. According to medical staff at Veterans General Hospital, the patients displayed symptoms consistent with acute gastroenteritis, including nausea and vomiting.
Following the incidents, the city’s Office of Food and Drug Safety conducted an inspection of the hotel’s restaurant on Saturday. Inspectors collected eight samples for testing, including two ingredients and six environmental samples, with results still pending. The inspection revealed several operational issues, including dirt accumulation on the ceiling and in air vents throughout both the kitchen and dining areas, as well as improper food container placement on the ground.
The city government has ordered the Lin Hotel to address these issues by Tuesday. Meanwhile, the restaurant’s kitchen operations have been suspended and can only resume after passing a reinspection by food safety officials. Prior to this incident, the hotel’s restaurant and kitchen had passed all twelve inspections conducted over the previous year.
The Office of Food and Drug Safety continues to investigate the potential connection between the operational issues discovered during the inspection and the reported illnesses.
India
MAHARASHTRA – Pilgrims Sickened from Food Poisoning
Over 50 pilgrims were sickened by suspected food poisoning after a meal of millet and peanut paste last Saturday night.
By Sunday, the pilgrims began vomiting and were transferred to a local hospital. Four were originally diagnosed as critical but doctors later said that all of those hospitalized would soon be discharged.
United Kingdom
LONDON – Marks & Spencer Issues Chicken Recall Over Salmonella Risk
UK-based retailer Marks & Spencer has initiated a product recall for specific breaded chicken items in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland after routine testing detected salmonella contamination.
The recall affects two products: the Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Burgers (barcode 29147168) and Chicken Kyivs (barcode 00003063) with use-by dates of January 26, January 30, and January 31.
The retailer has issued a “do not eat” warning and is offering full refunds to customers who return the affected products to any Marks & Spencer store.
The contamination was discovered through the company’s standard quality control procedures, leading to immediate action to protect consumer safety.
Salmonella infection can present various health risks, with symptoms typically including diarrhea, vomiting, fever, stomach cramps, and chills. These symptoms may appear within a few days of consuming contaminated food, though onset can vary from several hours to several weeks after exposure.
The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has outlined the recall process, explaining that products may be either withdrawn from shelves or recalled when customers are asked to return items. The agency issues Product Recall Information Notices to inform consumers and local authorities about food safety concerns.
In a separate food safety incident announced on the same day, Heineken UK has recalled specific batches of Newcastle Brown Ale due to potential glass contamination. The recall applies to 550ml bottles with batch codes L4321 through L4326, all bearing a best before date of November 30. This action follows multiple reports of glass fragments being discovered upon opening the bottles.
Marks & Spencer said that the chicken product recall is limited to stores in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, with no other Marks & Spencer products affected. The company has advised customers to verify the barcode numbers and use-by dates to identify affected items, as only specific batch codes are impacted by the recall.
Vietnam
HOI AN – Couple Dead After Consuming Methanol-Laced Drinks
A recently engaged British-South African couple have died in Vietnam after consuming contaminated homemade limoncello delivered to their hotel on Christmas Eve, according to The Sun.
Greta Marie Otteson, 33, and Arno Els Quinton, 36, were found dead in separate rooms at the Hoi An Silverbell Villa the day after Christmas, just weeks after announcing their engagement.
Police investigators determined the cause of death was methanol poisoning from tainted alcohol, reportedly purchased from a local restaurant. The morning after consuming the liqueur, Otteson messaged her parents describing severe symptoms, including what she called “the worst hangover ever” and “black spots” in her vision. Despite a local bar owner’s offer to take them to the hospital, the couple chose to rest instead.
The pair had been managing the luxury villa for ten months, having moved to Vietnam in February 2023 after meeting while traveling in the Middle East. Otteson was a social media marketing manager formerly based in Dubai, and Quinton, a barista and musician.
Just weeks before their deaths, the couple had celebrated their engagement with a romantic beach photoshoot. Their final days appeared joyful, with photos showing them posing beside a newly purchased red moped on December 23, chosen specifically for its Welsh connection.
Methanol, a toxic industrial chemical often found in counterfeit or home-brewed alcohol, can cause blindness, brain damage, and death even in small quantities. The incident has raised serious concerns about alcohol safety in the region, particularly following the recent deaths of six others, including two Australian teenagers, from methanol-laced cocktails in nearby Laos.
The families of both victims are seeking justice. The restaurant allegedly responsible for supplying the contaminated limoncello remains open, according to reports from The Times, though no arrests have been made.
Following cremation in Vietnam, the couple’s ashes have been returned to Bahrain, where Greta’s parents reside. The families have agreed to keep their remains together, with plans for a future memorial service.
In a joint statement, they expressed their commitment to working with authorities to hold those responsible accountable.
The UK Foreign Office has confirmed its involvement in supporting Greta’s family and maintaining contact with Vietnamese authorities as the investigation continues.
Commenting on this article, the nation’s leading food poisoning lawyer said, “Whether it be homemade botox injections or homemade liquor, consumers should at all times attempt to source legitimate products and services from authorized providers. Otherwise, the risk of significant illness and death are greatly increased.”
