Dining out in the Balearic Islands has become increasingly hazardous, with food poisoning incidents in 2024 already surpassing last year’s total. According to the Balearic Health Department, 74% of restaurants inspected in Mallorca this year pose a health risk to customers. Furthermore, a troubling 15% of these establishments have been flagged for severe deficiencies.
So far in 2024, the Balearic Islands have witnessed 17 food poisoning outbreaks. This already exceeds the 16 outbreaks recorded in all of 2023. Authorities refer to a food poisoning outbreak iftwo or more people become ill after consuming food or drink at the same establishment. This year these outbreaks have affected at least 143 individuals. Symptoms reported include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain.
Last year, Mallorca accounted for the majority of outbreaks, with 13 incidents. Meanwhile Ibiza, Formentera, and Menorca combined reported only three. In total, 374 people were affected by these outbreaks in 2023.
Health risks in dining establishments
The situation in Mallorca’s dining scene is concerning, especially in a region renowned for its tourism. Health inspections conducted across 1,442 establishments in 2023 revealed that 74% posed some level of health risk, a 7% increase from the previous year. Moreover, 15% of these establishments were identified with severe deficiencies, potentially leading to significant health hazards.
Only 20% of inspected establishments were found to operate at an acceptable level, with a mere 6% achieving optimal standards. The majority, however, fall short of the necessary hygiene and safety standards, raising serious concerns about public health.
Health Department official Margalida Buades lamented the findings. “As a society, our level of hygiene is alarmingly low., she stated. The report also highlighted that Ibiza and Formentera fared even worse, with 97% of inspected establishments deemed hazardous, and none reaching optimal standards.
Consequences
The Health Department has responded by issuing 216 sanctions across the archipelago, with 166 directed at establishments in Mallorca. Fines ranged from €480 to €19,122, with an average penalty of €2,471. The most common violations were operational, involving staff errors such as improper hygiene practices and failures in maintaining the cold chain for food preservation. Structural deficiencies, such as faulty refrigeration systems and inadequate ventilation, were also prevalent.
Contaminated rice dish
A stark reminder of the risks associated with poor maintenance came earlier this year when a company was temporarily shut down following a food poisoning outbreak that affected 149 children and five teachers in Palma. The suspected cause was a contaminated rice dish served as part of the school lunch program, leading to widespread illness across four educational institutions.
Also read: Eight Brits in court over false food poisoning claims