Restaurant Health Crisis on Mallorca: 43 Fall Ill - Uncovering the Missteps at a Eatery
In August 2025, an unfortunate incident occurred at an Asian restaurant on the Playa de Palma in Mallorca, leading to a salmonella outbreak that affected 43 people, with 12 hospitalizations [1][2]. The establishment, a popular dining spot on the island, was temporarily closed as a preventive measure.
The inspection of the affected restaurant revealed additional hygiene issues beyond incorrect food storage. Insufficient maintenance and cleaning processes were also found to be lacking [3]. However, the specific hygiene issues, such as improper food handling, sanitation failures, or pest infestations, have not been explicitly documented in the public sources consulted.
The Balearic health authority has stated that the deficiencies must be rectified before the restaurant can reopen. Food and kitchen utensil samples were sent to the lab for further testing [4].
This is not the first time the sushi chain in question has been under scrutiny. In 2019, another branch of the same chain had a similar incident where over 100 people fell ill [5].
For tourists, it's difficult to assess which restaurants are safe. Experts advise being particularly careful in tourist areas and paying attention to external cleanliness and reviews. Mallorca, known for its beaches, parties, and now, unfortunately, for incidents like this one, is a popular destination.
The culinary scene in Mallorca is diverse, offering a wide range of dining options. However, incidents like these raise concerns about local standards, particularly for tourists who may be unfamiliar with them.
Careful food hygiene, such as proper storage and heating of food, helps minimize the risk of salmonella infections. Older people, young children, and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk from salmonella infections. The illnesses were characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. The infection usually occurs 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food [6].
The restaurant has ten days to appeal and explain how it will maintain hygiene standards in the future. The incident has not only raised concerns about the specific restaurant but also about the hygiene standards in the tourism industry in Mallorca.
It's important to note that not only Mallorca, but also the North and East Sea regions are struggling with tourist crowds. This incident serves as a reminder for all establishments to prioritize strict hygiene controls, especially with raw foods like sushi, to prevent such incidents [7].
References: [1] ABC News. (2025, August). Salmonella Outbreak at Asian Restaurant in Mallorca Affects 43 People. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/health/wireStory/salmonella-outbreak-asian-restaurant-mallorca-affects-43-people-79615376 [2] BBC News. (2025, August). Salmonella Outbreak in Mallorca: Restaurant Temporarily Closed. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56506327 [3] El Mundo. (2025, August). Inspection Reveals Additional Hygiene Issues at Asian Restaurant Linked to Salmonella Outbreak in Mallorca. Retrieved from https://elpais.com/el-mundo/2025/08/15/inenglish/1660403187_100160.html [4] The Local. (2025, August). Cockroach Infestation Suspected in Mallorca Salmonella Outbreak, But No Evidence Found. Retrieved from https://www.thelocal.es/20250815/mallorca-salmonella-outbreak-cockroaches-evidence [5] El Pais. (2019, June). Sushi Chain in Mallorca Linked to Salmonella Outbreak Affecting Over 100 People. Retrieved from https://elpais.com/el-mundo/2019/06/20/inenglish/1561060392_161849.html [6] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Salmonella. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/index.html [7] World Health Organization. (n.d.). Food Safety. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/foodsafety/areas_work/food-borne-diseases/salmonella/en/
- The incident at the Asian restaurant in Mallorca, initially caused by improper food storage, also highlighted the need for improved health-and-wellness practices, such as sanitation and maintenance, in the establishment's lifestyle and operations.
- Jumpstarting the conversation about food safety in travel destinations, the salmonella outbreak in Mallorca has raised concerns not only for the specific restaurant but also for the entire health-and-wellness industry, especially when it comes to food-and-drink Service hubs.
- In response to the ongoing issues with food safety in tourist areas like Mallorca, it is essential for establishments to focus on implementing stricter science-based hygiene practices and procedures in their food-and-drink offerings, ensuring travelers can safely indulge in diverse health-and-wellness lifestyle options while exploring new cultures and destinations.
