Fiji authorities forensically testing Warwick Resort’s pina coladas after suspected drink poisoning
Cocktail mixtures from a Fiji resort where seven people are believed to have been poisoned by drinks have reportedly been taken for forensic testing by authorities.
The tourists, including four Australians, were taken to hospital after drinking cocktails at the five-star Warwick Fiji resort on the south coast of Viti Levu island on Saturday.
“They’ve taken the products for analysis, for testing,” the resort’s human resources director Nitin Goundar told Sky News on Wednesday.
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The resort management said it was the first incident of its type in 40 years of trading and they were cooperating with police investigating the matter.
“We are currently working jointly with the authorities to determine what caused this unfortunate incident, the company said in a statement.
“We are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone who visits our resort.”
Fiji Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka previously said the people who became ill had been drinking pina colada cocktails made with local rum.
Mr Goundar said the ingredients included a powder smoothie mixture from New Zealand, coconut liqueur, pineapple juice and white rum.
He said the resort purchased them from established suppliers, including Coca-Cola.
“So the liqueurs are added and then blended together,” he said.
Mr Goundar said the staff involved in the incident continued to work at the resort and the management and authorities were analysing CCTV footage of the incident.
Warwick Fiji also said it maintains the highest standards of food and beverage safety.
Australian mother and daughter, Tanya and Georgia Sandoe landed back in Sydney on Monday evening after they were released from hospital
Two people, including one Australian woman, are understood to remain in intensive care in hospital in Fiji, although both are in a stable condition.
The incident follows the death of two Australians in Laos, where they were among several victims of a suspected mass ethanol poisoning.
