Health authorities are continuing their investigation into a suspected Limassol food poisoning outbreak linked to a wedding reception held on 31 May 2026, as laboratory results are expected to provide crucial answers about the cause of the incident.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Head of Health Services Herodotos Herodotou said no definitive conclusions have yet been reached regarding the pathogen or toxin responsible for the symptoms reported by those affected.
“I am waiting for the laboratory analysis of the food samples before I can confirm whether a specific microorganism was detected,” he said.
Food samples and symptom timing under examination
The investigation is focusing on both the food consumed at the reception and the timing of symptom onset among guests.
Herodotou explained that health inspectors have conducted interviews with dozens of individuals who became ill, as well as attendees who remained symptom-free, in an effort to identify common factors.
Authorities are analysing what foods were consumed and when symptoms first appeared to determine the likely source of contamination.
“If symptoms appeared shortly after consumption, our attention turns to specific bacteria that produce toxins. If symptoms appeared one or two days later, we consider different microorganisms known to cause food poisoning,” he said.
The findings from interviews will be compared with microbiological analyses of food samples and any available laboratory tests from affected individuals.
Possible bacterial contamination
According to Herodotou, current indications suggest the outbreak may be linked either to a bacterium that causes food poisoning directly or to one that produces harmful toxins.
He also confirmed that the cases reported in Limassol and Paphos appear to be connected through a common source.
Previous incident also under review
Health Services are additionally investigating reports of a similar incident that may have occurred recently at the same catering establishment.
Herodotou said authorities were not officially informed at the time but received information after the current outbreak became public.
The earlier incident will now form part of the broader investigation.
Catering premises temporarily closed
The catering facility linked to the event has been temporarily suspended from operating while investigations continue.
Health inspectors have already conducted hygiene inspections and implemented precautionary measures.
“The legislation allows us to suspend operations in four-day intervals until we are satisfied that the risk has been eliminated,” Herodotou explained.
Salmonella remains one possibility
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional cases emerging, noting that symptoms associated with some foodborne illnesses can appear several days after exposure.
“If it is salmonella, symptoms may develop later,” Herodotou said, adding that all attendees have been advised to seek medical attention immediately if symptoms occur.
Laboratory results are expected on Friday and are anticipated to provide a clearer picture of the cause of the outbreak.
Asked whether salmonella could be responsible, Herodotou said it remains one of several possible scenarios.
“It may be salmonella or another microorganism, but we will only have reliable conclusions once we receive the results from the State General Laboratory,” he said.
Also read: 21 hospitalised after mass food poisoning in Limassol
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