Popular holiday destinations linked to higher risk of food poisoning, experts warn

Holidaymakers to a range of popular destinations face an elevated risk of foodborne illness and related harms, health experts and case investigations show, with reported incidents ranging from large outbreaks to individual deaths traced to contaminated food or adulterated alcohol.

An inquest at Rochdale Coroner's Court ruled last autumn that salmonella from undercooked chicken at a hotel buffet in Fuerteventura caused the death of 70-year-old Leslie Green, who fell ill while celebrating his birthday. Testimony given to the coroner included allegations that staff mixed freshly cooked food with items that had been left out and had poor hand hygiene.

Public-health surveillance and a series of high-profile incidents point to recurring hotspots. A survey of gastrointestinal infections reported in North East England from 2013 to 2022 found that of 2,357 travel-associated illnesses — including salmonella — nearly half were linked to travel to four countries: Spain, Turkey, India and Egypt. Other countries and regions cited in reports and investigations include Mexico, Morocco, Greece, Bali and parts of Southeast Asia.

Spain has seen clusters tied to resort hotels. In 2019, 89 British travellers at a resort in Lanzarote reported gastrointestinal symptoms; subsequent complaints cited alleged recycling of food, poor cleaning and unsafe pool conditions. Lawyers say they are investigating illnesses including salmonella and E. coli at the same resort after further reports in 2022. Health officials and clinicians stress that the volume of visitors to popular Spanish resorts means a single contamination event can affect dozens.

India remains associated with classic traveller diarrhoeas and sporadic mass events. Food handling and contaminated water were implicated after more than 80 people were hospitalised with vomiting and stomach pain following a temple feast in Virudhunagar district in May. Influencer cases and reports of unsafe locally produced or homemade drinks have also contributed to illness claims.

In Southeast Asia and parts of the Pacific, contaminated street food is a common source of self-limited gastroenteritis, but an additional and growing hazard is methanol-adulterated alcohol. Last year in Vang Vieng, Laos, six tourists died after consuming drinks later found to contain methanol; inquests and coroners have also linked methanol poisoning to deaths in Bali. Medical experts say methanol poisoning requires immediate hospital treatment because antidotes and, in some cases, dialysis can limit permanent harm.

Mexico has been the site of repeated cyclospora outbreaks connected with all-inclusive resorts in the Riviera Maya. Nearly 150 holidaymakers were reported ill in 2016 and another outbreak in 2023 resulted in more than 70 returning travellers reporting illness. The UK Health Security Agency advises travellers to Mexico to maintain strict food and water hygiene, choose freshly prepared, thoroughly cooked foods and avoid raw or difficult-to-wash produce.

North African destinations such as Morocco and Egypt are linked to risks from untreated water used in ingredient washing and food preparation. Incidents this year included 29 people hospitalised after eating sandwiches from a stall near Kenitra market in Morocco. Separate cases have shown that inexperience with allergy management can produce fatal outcomes: an investigation into the death of 18-year-old Lily King in Rabat concluded she suffered a severe allergic reaction after being told a dish would be safe.

Greece and Turkey have also reported tourism-associated outbreaks. Public-health alerts were issued in May after five tourists reported illness following meat eaten from a stall in the northern Greek resort town of Neos Marmaras. In Turkey, reports have repeatedly linked undercooked meats or contaminated salads at all-inclusive buffets with family and group illnesses, and individual cases have required intravenous fluids and hospital care on return to the UK.

Clinicians emphasise both self-care for mild illness and clear thresholds for urgent treatment. Dr. Megha Pancholi, clinical lead GP at Boots Online Doctor, said over-the-counter loperamide can provide short-term relief for diarrhoea without blood in the stools or high fever, and oral rehydration salts are useful to replace fluids and electrolytes when people cannot keep down liquids. She advised travellers to seek immediate medical help for blood in the stools, severe dehydration signs such as dizziness or very little urine, high fever, confusion or if symptoms do not start improving after a couple of days. Children, older adults and people with underlying conditions should seek help earlier.

Dr. Pancholi also cautioned that buffets pose particular risks when food is not kept at appropriate temperatures or is left out for long periods and advised avoiding raw or undercooked meat, seafood and eggs, unpasteurised dairy, and salads or garnishes that may have been washed in unsafe water. When bottled drinks are purchased, she recommended checking seals and labels for signs of tampering or poor quality printing, and warned against homemade spirits and premixed tourist “buckets.”

Authorities and claims specialists note practical steps for travellers and for those considering compensation after suspected holiday food poisoning. The Holiday Claims Bureau recommends keeping detailed records of symptoms, treatments and expenses, gathering photographic and witness evidence, and obtaining prompt medical attention and a written medical report to support any claim.

Public-health bodies and clinicians say most foodborne illness is preventable with appropriate food-handling and hygiene practices but acknowledge that travellers may have limited ability to verify standards abroad. The UK Health Security Agency and travel-health services advise choosing reputable eateries, preferring piping-hot cooked food, peeling fruit where possible and avoiding fresh uncooked berries, herbs and unpeeled produce that are difficult to clean.

For travellers, the consistent guidance from clinicians and public-health agencies is to prioritise hydration and early medical assessment for severe or persistent symptoms, to exercise caution with unfamiliar or mass-produced foods and drinks, and to document incidents promptly if they intend to pursue legal or compensation routes. Boots Online Doctor and other travel-health resources provide additional practical advice for common travel ailments and when to seek emergency care.