B737-800
Flight Attendant Current
Troubleshooting; Physiological - Other
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Maintenance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Returned To Gate; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
Upon push back from the gate in ZZZ; a putrid/rancid smell filled the aft galley and was detectable by myself; the D flight attendant; the A flight attendant and at least 2 passengers causing eye irritation; headache and nausea for me; and a headache for the D. The Captain was notified immediately. Having experienced this leaving ZZZZ on the prior leg flown by this aircraft; the decision was made to return to the gate and have Maintenance look at the aircraft. The A; B; and C flight attendants all agreed that we didn't feel safe in an environment where we and our passengers were potentially breathing toxic fumes. A 21 point inspection was run at the gate and it was determined that the plane had no mechanical issues. I tried (as did the Captain) to mention that it was likely the odor was not reproduce-able at idle. It was only evident under power. It was deemed a safe aircraft; so we re-boarded the flight; only to experience the odor; eye burning; headache; and nausea after push back. A second gate return occurred and passenger and crew deplaned.
B737 First Officer reported two ground gate returns due to a recurring fume event during departure taxi.