Hong Kong’s flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways is facing scrutiny as health authorities investigate a series of food poisoning cases linked to flights from Nepal. The situation escalated recently, with a total of 36 passengers reporting symptoms after eating meals on two separate occasions.

The first incident involved flight CX640 from Kathmandu, where symptoms were first reported on Wednesday by a group of passengers who had consumed a takeaway meal prior to boarding. Initial reports indicated ten passengers fell ill, but this number later rose to sixteen, prompting further investigation from the Centre for Health Protection (SCMP).

On the morning of the subsequent flight, twenty more passengers aboard an identical flight number reported feeling unwell shortly after eating. Many of those affected experienced symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and fever, appearing approximately 10 to 30 minutes post-meal.

The centre is currently investigating a possible epidemiological link between the two separate food poisoning clusters. Although health officials initially suspected that sandwiches consumed before the flights were the source, investigations revealed that most of the late-arriving passengers had not shared the same pre-flight meal. This raised new concerns about the safety of in-flight meals, including various items like bread, salads, and rice dishes, which are now under review.

The airline's representative expressed sincere apologies to all affected passengers and stated that the company is committed to cooperating fully with health authorities. They noted that “the source of food contamination appears to be outside the airline’s operation,” indicating that traced food sources are being verified (SCMP).

Authorities have urged passengers who traveled on these flights to report any symptoms they may have experienced, offering a hotline for medical assessment and follow-up. Investigations are ongoing as both the airline and health officials work to address this alarming situation.

For further updates, passengers are encouraged to stay informed through the Centre for Health Protection’s hotline.