Mass Sickness Outbreak After Airbus Atlantic Christmas Dinner

Hundreds of employees at Airbus Atlantic in Broughton, Wales, were left sick after eating a Christmas meal at the company’s canteen. The cause of the illness is still being investigated, but it is thought to be food poisoning. Moreover, a staff member Nolwenn said, “The experience was worse than giving birth.”

French health officials are looking into a widespread stomach illness that hit around 700 employees following a Christmas dinner organized by Airbus Atlantic. The company’s restaurant at its Montoir-de-Bretagne site in western France provided a festive feast for 2,600 workers. It features delicacies like foie gras, scallops, lobster, and tournedos, and desserts like hazelnut chocolate mousse and ice-cream logs. In addition, the fancy meal is priced at €15 (£13) per person.

After the seasonal meal on December 14, affected workers exhibited “clinical signs of vomiting and/or diarrhea,” with most falling ill within 24 to 48 hours. Health authorities are investigating the cause in all case scenarios. They are considering the possibility of a bacterium in the food or a highly contagious gastroenteritis virus. Results of the investigation are expected next week, and a questionnaire has been distributed to attendees.

An employee named Nolwenn described the experience as “worse than giving birth,” citing severe colic and headaches. Jean-Claude Iribarren, the secretary of the Airbus Atlantic works committee, clarified that the company’s canteen prepared the food, and samples of all products served are retained for analysis.

Airbus spokesperson mentioned that no one had been seriously ill. She also stated, “The case is now being handled by the health authority, which is leading the investigation.” However, Airbus Atlantic, a subsidiary of the world’s largest aircraft maker, Airbus, employs 15,000 people across five countries.

An investigation was being launched to find the source of the mass food poisoning, the organization told. The wider Airbus group employs 134,000 people. The giant company provides products and services in the aircraft, helicopter, defense, space, and security industries.

Tell us about your holidays…..was it feasty or fiery?? Happy holidays!