A serious food poisoning incident affecting at least 100 people is under investigation by state Health Services. By yesterday, 21 individuals in Limassol, Nicosia and Paphos required hospitalisation, while another 74 people in Limassol and Paphos showed symptoms of gastroenteritis, including children.
All had attended a wedding reception held on Sunday, 31 May, at a venue in mountainous Limassol, where around 400 guests were present and appear to have consumed the same food. The focus of the investigation is on the external catering provider that supplied the meal.
Samples of water and food have already been collected for laboratory testing, while Health Services have suspended the operation of the premises that supplied the suspected food until the cause of the incident is determined.
Authorities are now awaiting laboratory results to identify the pathogen or toxin responsible. The head of Health Services, Herodotos Herodotou, said no firm conclusions have yet been reached, noting that food analysis will provide the necessary answers. Investigations also rely on interviews with both affected individuals and attendees who did not develop symptoms, in an effort to identify common patterns.
Particular attention is being paid to the type of food consumed and the timing of symptom onset. If symptoms appeared shortly after the meal, suspicion may fall on toxin‑producing bacteria, while later onset may point to other food‑borne pathogens.
Authorities are also examining reports of a second similar incident reported recently. If a link is established, the investigation is expected to expand.
Further cases cannot be ruled out, as some pathogens have incubation periods exceeding 72 hours. Guests have been advised to monitor their health and seek medical attention if symptoms develop. Among the scenarios under examination is possible salmonella contamination, although this has not been confirmed. Final conclusions are expected once analysis by the State General Laboratory is completed.
What the venue says
In a statement, KTIMA VIKIS expressed regret and support for those affected, stressing that it is fully cooperating with the authorities and awaiting the official findings. It clarified that it operates solely as an event venue and does not provide food preparation or catering services, which are handled by independent licensed catering companies responsible for the preparation, transport and serving of food.
