A mass suspected case of food poisoning has overshadowed the first Burger Fest Canarias held in Playa Honda, Lanzarote, over the weekend. More than 15 restaurants showcased their culinary creations at the event, part of the Playa Honda festivities for 2026, attracting around 15,000 attendees.
However, reports have emerged of at least 24 people developing symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea following their visit. Local authorities have received multiple complaints, and the Mayor of San Bartolomé confirmed that investigations are underway to determine the source of the outbreak, stating, “there is still nothing corroborated about the origin”.
Health authorities are looking into a potential gastroenteritis outbreak linked to the festival. While the exact cause remains unconfirmed, an internal investigation suggests that the issue may be related to a mishandled sauce at one of the food stalls.
Public Health is now conducting tests on food samples and affected individuals to identify the specific bacteria responsible. Typically, bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli are the primary culprits in such cases.
In addition to health risks, the festival faced organisational issues. It was reported that the event commenced without the necessary authorisation, prompting a temporary halt to activities until the permit was obtained about half an hour later.
Officials have outlined the following key protocols for those affected: individuals showing severe symptoms should seek medical attention and inform healthcare providers of their attendance at the festival. Emergency room staff are legally obligated to notify the Epidemiology Service of any cases of food poisoning.
Those impacted are also encouraged to document their experiences by filing reports with local authorities and keeping any medical documentation related to their symptoms.
The potential fallout from these events might involve legal action against both the organising company and the local council, especially regarding issues of negligence and public health violations.
