Problems with cleanliness in a four-star hotel in Spain: Buffet outbreak causes illness

In the sunny resort town of La Manga, Spain, a worrying incident has unfolded at the Izan Cavanna hotel, operated by the Izan Hotels chain. More than 100 vacationers have fallen ill after a shared buffet, with symptoms including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.

Before the incident, there had been complaints about poor hygiene and bad food quality on review platforms like TripAdvisor. These concerns were seemingly overlooked, leading to the current crisis.

The authorities are investigating the causes of the mass illness, with the health authority in Murcia suspecting a salmonella outbreak from a fish dish and spinach ravioli served on Saturday. At least 20 affected individuals, including a baby and a pregnant woman, were hospitalized.

The hotel kitchen has been temporarily closed for investigation, and a field hospital has been set up on site to treat sick guests. However, the results of the laboratory tests are expected in the coming days, and uncertainty remains.

The hotel's response to the illness outbreak has caused dissatisfaction among guests, with many expressing feelings of abandonment during the incident. Guests have reported cockroaches in the rooms and unfriendly staff, adding to their distress.

Criticism of the management is growing, as new guests were allowed to eat at the buffet before the kitchen was closed. This decision has further fuelled concerns about the hotel's crisis management. The situation on site remains tense due to this criticism.

The incident highlights the importance of hygiene standards in the catering industry. As more information becomes available, it is hoped that the authorities will take necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future.

Guests at the Izan Cavanna hotel are calling for improved communication and support from the hotel management during such crises. It is a stark reminder of the responsibilities that hospitality businesses hold towards their guests.