A holidaymaker’s dream vacation at a luxury resort turned into a nightmare after suffering from a gastric illness believed to be caused by consuming contaminated food or drink. John Cross and his wife Janet had paid £3,490.44 to celebrate their 45th anniversary at the Paloma Pasha resort in Izmir, Turkey. However, five days into the trip, John began experiencing severe stomach pains, diarrhoea, nausea, and headaches, leading to him being placed on an IV drip at a nearby medical centre.
John’s symptoms persisted, and upon returning to the UK, he consulted his GP who diagnosed him with a bacterial infection, likely from contaminated food or drink. The illness not only affected John but also impacted their friends who were on the holiday with them. Some of their friends also ended up in the hospital with similar symptoms, adding to the distress.
Describing his experience, John highlighted concerns about the resort’s food handling practices, mentioning that the food was not properly chilled or heated, and there were cats roaming around the restaurant, including one found near death in the pool area. Reflecting on his ruined holiday, John expressed regret over booking the trip and emphasised the need for answers and reassurances to prevent such incidents from happening to others.
John has sought legal assistance from Irwin Mitchell as they investigate the circumstances surrounding his illness. Sarita Sharma, a specialist international serious injury lawyer, called for others who stayed at the resort and experienced similar symptoms to come forward. The law firm aims to uncover the truth and ensure accountability for what happened to John and Janet.
As the investigation unfolds, TUI, the travel company through which the holiday was booked, has been approached for comment on the matter. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with food and drink safety during travel, urging vigilance and caution to avoid similar distressing experiences in the future.