The Download Festival in Leicestershire, England was marred by a food poisoning outbreak last weekend, with news of hundreds of attendees reportedly falling ill after consuming food from certain vendors. The organizers, Live Nation, took swift action by shutting down two food stalls implicated in the incident, according to an article on Leicester Mercury.
As the music festival unfolded, numerous attendees began experiencing symptoms typical of food poisoning, including nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, and general malaise. The situation escalated to such an extent that some festival-goers resorted to using buckets as makeshift toilets due to the severe gastrointestinal distress.
According to reports from the medical tent, as many as 500 people were affected by what was described as a “real food poisoning epidemic.”
North West Leicestershire District Council confirmed that it had collaborated with Live Nation to investigate the two vendors believed to be responsible for the outbreak. While the vendors’ identities have not been publicly disclosed, the council stated that it would “continue to investigate the outbreak.”
The National Health Service (NHS) lists common food poisoning symptoms as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, high fever, and general feelings of unwellness, including fatigue, aches, and chills. These symptoms typically arise after consuming contaminated food that has been improperly cooked, stored, or handled.
Performers and attendees alike shared their harrowing experiences with the illness. Sean Smith, the lead singer of the band The Raiders, revealed that he was hospitalized and received intravenous fluids due to food poisoning, which he believed was caused by consuming a beef brisket dish.
Another attendee recounted her ordeal, stating that she began feeling ill on Saturday after eating a Yorkshire pudding filled with a traditional roast dinner. Despite using hand sanitizer and utensils provided, she experienced severe cramps, fever, diarrhea, and vomiting throughout the weekend, describing the pain as “never known pain like it.”
The North West Leicestershire District Council assured that it had conducted ongoing food hygiene safety checks throughout the festival but acknowledged the need for further investigation into the reported cases of illness.
Commenting on this story, one national food safety attorney said, “Following the recent news of a food poisoning outbreak at a festival in Singapore, this unfortunate outbreak in England once again highlights the importance of maintaining strict food safety standards at large-scale events to protect the health and well-being of attendees and staff alike.”
