US hotels warned of Al Qaeda poisoned buffets

US hoteliers have been warned of a “credible threat”, with the Department of Homeland Security claiming Al Qaeda is plotting to poison buffets and salad bars.

It is thought the plotters are believed to be tied to the same terror group that attempted to blow up cargo planes over the America in October.

Experts have warned that, if ingested, the poisons cyanide and ricin would give victims the symptoms of food poisoning.

It is understood that there will be training sessions and webinars to inform hotel staff on what to look for and how to respond to poison attacks.

Homeland Security will also be putting "See something, say something" cards in employees payroll stubs.