A total of 36 passengers on two Cathay Pacific flights from Nepal to Hong Kong have reported symptoms of food poisoning, according to the Centre for Health Protection (CHP). Authorities suspect an epidemiological link, as affected individuals exhibited similar symptoms and consumed comparable meals onboard before falling ill.

The first group of cases, reported on Jan. 9, involved 20 individuals (14 men and 6 women) aged 11 to 51 from eight unrelated families or groups. Symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and fever, began 10 to 30 minutes after consuming in-flight meals. Thirteen of the affected passengers sought medical attention upon arrival in HK but did not require hospitalization. Preliminary investigations did not identify any common food consumed prior to boarding.

The second group, initially reported on Jan. 8, has now expanded to 16 cases, including six new individuals (1 man and 5 women). Nine of the cases were part of a travel group, while the other seven were unrelated. They experienced similar symptoms within 30 minutes of consuming meals onboard. Investigators found no evidence that the seven unrelated individuals had consumed shared food before boarding.

The CHP is examining the meals served on both flights, including bread, fruit, beetroot salad, lamb rice, chicken rice, and ice cream, as well as other food consumed at Nepalese airports or within Nepal. Samples of unused food from the affected flights have been collected for testing, and officials warn that the number of cases may rise.

Investigations at Cathay Pacific Catering Services (HK) Ltd., which supplied the affected flights, revealed that food storage temperatures and procedures complied with standards. However, as beetroot salad requires more manual handling and is not reheated before consumption, the CHP has instructed the catering facility to immediately suspend its supply of beetroot salad as a precautionary measure.

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