Food Poisoning - A Major Threat to Airline Operations

In the spring of 1984, British Airways was involved in a majorfood poisoning outbreak which affected nearly 1000 passengers,aircrew and ground personnel. The operational impact was worldwideand could have resulted in the cessation of the airline's day-to-dayoperations. The investigation paralleled a major aircraft disaster in thenumber of national and international agencies involved and inthe variety of disciplines engaged. Although the causative organismwas rapidly identified (salmonella), and its introduction intothe food chain proved to be a key factor, the scale of the outbreakwas the result of an interaction of other factors. As with amajor aircraft accident, none of the factors alone would havecaused the near disaster that occurred. Requests for reprints should be addressed to: Dr Frank S. Preston OBE, 2 Ravensmead, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks SL9 0NB, UK