Record GL-25
1992 cholera outbreak traced to seafood served in flight
| Date of record | 1992 |
|---|---|
| Location | Peru to Los Angeles, United States |
| Type | Foodborne illness outbreak — aircraft |
| Source tier | Tier 2 — food safety industry publication |
What the record shows
In 1992, 76 passengers became ill following a flight from Peru to Los Angeles. Cholera was traced to shrimp served on the flight.
Published commentary notes the catering company was assumed responsible, despite other passengers who ate the same item not becoming ill.
Evidence gap
Where illness is distributed unevenly among people who ate the same item, the distinguishing variable is typically the handling or holding of individual portions or carts, not the item itself. No public record establishes those conditions, so responsibility was assumed rather than demonstrated.
This entry illustrates attribution in the absence of evidence. It is not a finding of fault against any party.