A legal dispute is underway as a woman seeks justice after contracting salmonella while on a disastrous vacation at a hotel where another guest succumbed to the same illness. Michaela Smith fell ill eight days into her £2,000 two-week, all-inclusive stay at Occidental Jandia Playa in Fuerteventura.
Allegedly, the 50-year-old encountered issues with raw chicken and pork being served at the “chaotic” buffet of the four-star hotel in the Canary Islands in October last year. Medical tests at her GP’s office upon her return confirmed that she had acquired salmonella during what was supposed to be a luxurious holiday in the sun.
Just two days after Michaela’s symptoms began, another guest, Leslie Green, 70, also fell ill with salmonella at the same hotel and tragically passed away in the hospital. An investigation revealed that the grandfather died from food poisoning after consuming undercooked chicken at the resort.
Michaela, a print finisher from Castleford, West Yorkshire, has now engaged legal representation to investigate her own case following the disruption of her vacation. She and her husband, Paul, 52, checked into the resort on September 29 last year, having previously visited in 2022 and 2024.
On October 7, Michaela woke up experiencing stomach cramps, diarrhea, fatigue, severe headaches, and a fever. Despite seeking medical help four days later and receiving probiotics, electrolytes, and rehydration salts, she continues to suffer from lingering symptoms.
Expressing her frustrations, Michaela shared her concerns about the quality of the food, cleanliness of the hotel, and overall experience compared to previous visits. She recalled encountering raw meat at the buffet, describing chaotic conditions with cold food and inadequate utensils. Even the pool was described as unclean with an oily film on the surface.
Despite her vigilance in selecting her meals, Michaela fell ill, leading to ongoing health issues almost a year later. She expressed disappointment at the ruined holiday due to her illness but acknowledged her fortune compared to those who also fell sick at the hotel, including the tragic loss of a fellow guest.
Legal representatives are also aiding Leslie’s widow, Julie Green, and other affected British tourists who fell ill during their stay at the resort in October 2024. The serious injury solicitor handling the case highlighted the concerning nature of Michaela’s confirmed salmonella diagnosis and the need for answers regarding the emerging pattern of illnesses among guests.
The Barcelo Hotel Group, which manages Occidental Jandia Playa, emphasized its strict food safety protocols and regular audits to ensure compliance with quality standards and regulations. The hotel group stated that external audits conducted in the past year did not detect any salmonella at the property, underscoring their commitment to guest health and safety.